Disclaimer: I do not own Maria-sama Ga Miteru. I only own this little piece of non-canon drama. For what its worth.
Thanks to Insomniac1970, ems, enemy32, and serenityskywalker and any guests that made a comment on my first chapter! You guys and gals ROXXOR! As well as anyone who favorited/followed PatS! ;-) You are all the light of my very dark life.
Lets get right to it, shall we?
The Princess and the Sparrow
Chapter 2
Previously on the Princess and the Sparrow...
Yumi stared, her eyes wide, at the women kneeling a couple feet away from her. Even after nine whole years of not seeing her in person, Yumi could still distinctively recognize her. Even after nine long years, she still had the same long, black hair. She still had dark, piercing blue eyes. Her face, though more mature-looking, was still the same beautiful face she had grown to love in high school. Her voice was still the same cool, calm and collected voice she heard every time she shut out the noises of the world.
She was exactly as she remembered.
It was Sachiko Ogasawara.
Yumi's Onee-sama.
The girl who left Yumi alone in the world.
0 – 0 – 0
Part 1
There Yumi sat, a textbook example of shock and befuddlement. She stared unblinkingly at the woman in front of her, trying to make head or tails from her current situation. Before Yumi could shake herself out of her daze, the woman shook her head and her eyes flew down to Yumi's front.
"Oh, my! Your coat…" Yumi followed her eyes down to her front and saw a dark stain on her beige winter coat. "I spilled my drink on you! Oh no…" She leaned forward and produced a napkin from somewhere Yumi couldn't see, trying to pat down the area. Even as the woman tried, it was clear the mark wouldn't come out with just a napkin. After realizing it was futile, she clicked her tongue and got to her feet. "I'm so sorry, Miss! I swear if it stains I will pay for it! Let's go inside…" She held her hand out for Yumi to take.
Yumi stared at the woman's outstretched hand for a long time. Her perfectly manicured nails with just a hint of polish (light rose if Yumi's eyes weren't mistaken), long thin fingers, a slender hand; all leading up to her arm and body, which was wrapped in an attractive black snow jacket. Her head, perfectly placed atop her neck, faced her intently, a serious expression in her eyes. Her piercing, familiar eyes.
Wait… Miss? Yumi felt her voice cut into her mind, sending her thoughts into a deeper confusion. Did she call me Miss?
Suddenly very aware that the cold ground was getting her trousers and elbows damp, she held her arm out and clasped the woman's hand. With a light grunt, the woman pulled Yumi to her feet.
"There we go." She said, her nervous smile marring her features only just noticeably. "Now, let's go inside. We'll take care of that coat." She stepped back and opened the door, stepping to the side to allow Yumi plenty of room to enter. After a moment of dazed confusion, Yumi numbly walked over the threshold. As she entered, she heard the familiar bells chime as the door shut. Yumi stood, looking around dumbly, and an arm linked with hers, pulling her gently towards a booth along the wall. She was placed directly beside a four person booth, one with seats on each side, and the woman's all-too-familiar face appeared in front of her again. "Please, take off the coat and have a seat. I'll get that stain out."
Yumi felt her mouth move, but couldn't quite form any words. As confused and uncomfortable as she was, she wasn't sure she would be able to get any words out even if she tried. Instead, she gave a small nod and slipped her coat off her shoulders, handing it to the dark-haired woman. She smiled and gestured to the seat.
"Please sit down. Would you like anything? It'll be my treat... as an initial apology." She added, almost as an afterthought. Again, Yumi moved her mouth, but no sounds came out. After a moment, the other seemed to understand. "Would… you like me to choose something?" Yumi nodded again, and the woman immediately set off towards the counter with Yumi's coat in hand.
Yumi stared after her, her muddled mind desperately trying to make sense out of what was happening. Here she was... eight whole years of not seeing or even speaking to the woman, and she suddenly runs into her (quite literally!) in a cafe! In Japan, of all places!
What was she even doing in Japan?
The last thing Yumi heard from Touko was that she was still in the United Kingdom, running the European branch of the Ogasawara Group out of... what city was it? London? York? Wales? Some city Yumi hadn't bothered to remember. Sure, that was a whole year ago... but surely if she were to have come back, Touko would have told Yumi... right? Somebody would have! Even the woman's cousin, Kashiwagi! Sure, Yumi and he hadn't been on the best of terms the past couple years; but he owed her at least that much.
Yumi shook her head in an attempt to bring her focus back on the present. She narrowed her eyes towards the familiar-looking woman, who was in conversation with one of the baristas. She was gesturing to Yumi's coat in her hands, and the barista handed her a bottle. It was, Yumi assumed, filled with some sort of cleaning agent. The dark-haired woman smiled and bowed her head to the girl, and walked back towards the booth with both the coat and the bottle in hand.
"They had some bleach for colors and..." She leaned over, picking up her bag she had set on the floor. "I have a few other surprises that work well with stains." She finished with a very familiar smile. Setting Yumi's coat on the table, she sat herself down and started flattening out the clothing. Yumi watched the woman look over the wet patch of her coat silently, not quite sure how she should be taking this whole thing.
Almost dwarfed by the pounding of her heart in her ears, Yumi barely heard herself rattle off question after silent question.
Was she not going to say anything? Was she going to ignore her? Ignore what happened? Was she going to just fix her coat and leave? Just like last time? Where did she even learn to treat a stain? What the hell was going on?
"Oh, this should come out easily; the fabric is stain-resistant. That is indeed lucky." She sighed happily and unscrewed the bottle of bleach, careful to tuck her dark bangs behind her ears before doing so. With a quick movement, the poured some onto a cotton ball (which she produced from her bag) and started dabbing away at Yumi's coat.
"Where did you learn to treat stains?" Yumi found herself whisper, her quiet voice noticeably shaky. She thought her voice had been too quiet to hear, but the other had definitely picked up on it. Her ears had always been good, after all.
"Hmm?" The other looked up and tilted her head slightly to the side. A somewhat… odd gesture, considering the person making it. "Well, I deal with stains often, actually. Not coffee stains... but lots of different kinds." She reached into her bag and withdrew a small bottle. With a light tap, she poured a small amount of the clear liquid on Yumi's coat.
"What's that?" Yumi asked, not really caring what the woman was doing to her coat. She could always buy a new one. The coat didn't matter to her in the slightest. She was just talking to keep the pounding in her ears and chest from getting any worse.
"This?" The dark-haired woman asked, holding up the small bottle. "It's just something I buy from a supplier that works wonders on just about anything that stains. Like I said, I deal with that often."
"Why?"
"I paint."
That certainly was not an answer Yumi expected. Out of all the things she knew the Ogasawara princess to do, painting was not often one of them. She could… and when she did you could put any of her creations up in a museum… but it wasn't anything she had spent a lot of time pursuing. Apparently, she had changed a lot in eight years.
Yumi's surprise must have been obvious, because the other cast her dark eyes up at Yumi and smiled softly. "Surprised? It's written all over your face. " Her head tilted to the side again. "In fact, has anyone ever told you that you have quite an expressive face?"
Yumi opened and closed her mouth for a few moments, a flustered blush creeping up her neck to her ears. Of course she knew about that! Everyone did! She didn't have to go ahead and say that like it was her first time ever finding out.
Settling on expressing annoyance, Yumi crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes in a glare. "Of course I know that, Onee-sama. That hasn't changed at all."
There is was. She said it. It was out. As she said those words her stomach somersaulted painfully, giving her the impression that if she moved even an inch, she would soon lose her lunch.
A pity. It had been so good, too.
At once, the woman's smile faltered and her eyes widened in surprise. Her hands stopped working on Yumi's coat. She closed her mouth and the skin around her eyes loosened as she looked back at Yumi. There was no fear, anger, shame, or happiness in her face; just confusion and surprise.
After a few long moments of silence, she spoke.
"O...Onee-sama? What do you mean?"
Yumi felt a muscle in her cheek twitch, her nausea still forcing her to remain as still as possible. "Don't be coy, Onee-sama." She said sharply. In an attempt to keep her voice from shaking, she let anger take the place of fear. "I may still be Yumi, but that doesn't mean I am still stupid or gullible."
Now it was the other's turn to open and close her mouth wordlessly. Seemingly at a loss for a reply, she just returned Yumi's cold glare with confusion. Her silence just prompted Yumi to continue, her anger growing with every passing moment.
"What, nothing to say now? Is the incredible Sachiko Ogasawara out of retorts?" Yumi hissed, keeping her voice as low as she could. Her voice came out as a strained whisper, but it still sounded to Yumi's ears angrier than she had sounded in years. "What the hell are you doing here? Go back to England! It's where you want to be, right?"
The woman recoiled slightly at Yumi's tone. She returned Yumi's glare with a slightly hurt look of her own, and Yumi couldn't help the feeling of regret that came up at the sudden moisture in the corner of the other's eyes.
"I..." She said after taking a slow breath.
"Sagara-san! Your order!" The barista she talked to earlier called out, placing two cups and a plate on the counter.
Yumi blinked, shooting a look of shock to the younger girl, and back to the other. Then back to the girl behind the counter. Surely she heard wrong. Sagara? Sachiko Sagara? Not Ogasawara? What was going on?
"Excuse me." The dark-haired woman said softly, standing up. Not looking at Yumi, she walked directly over to the counter and picked up the cups. Yumi stared after her, the feeling of shock pushing its way back to the forefront of her mind, well toppling over the anger that was quickly dying away.
Sagara? Who? What?
Yumi barely noticed when the other woman placed a cup of a dark, steaming liquid in front of her, and again when a plate weighed down with a rather large slice of red velvet cake appeared next. What she did notice, however, was that an ID card was placed on the table beside the cake.
"I think... you may have me mistaken for someone else..." The woman across from her said softly. Yumi stared at the table, not daring to look up. The feeling of shame now began to manifest in her cheeks and ears. She couldn't have been mistaken. There was no way she could have been wrong. She knew her. She knew her better than anyone else in the world. There was no way…
Slowly, she leaned forward to look at the card, and felt her stomach churn painfully again as the information made its way to her consciousness.
Maya Sagara. Age twenty-eight. Born in Kyoto. Japanese citizen. Address…
Maya Sagara.
Not Sachiko Ogasawara.
Not Sachiko. Not Sachiko. Not her Onee-sama. Not her. Not her. Not her. Not her. NOT HER!
"On-" Yumi exhaled sharply, suddenly feeling very ill. The churning in her stomach became a sickening heat that spread to her shoulders and neck, and her mouth lost all of its moisture. "Be right back!" Was all she could manage before shooting up out of her seat and running to the restroom.
0 – 0 – 0
Part 2
Yumi couldn't hold back the relieved sigh that escaped her lips as she splashed a generous amount of water on her pink-tinged face. She stared back at the young woman in the mirror for a few moments, all the while her chocolate-brown eyes stared back at her sadly. Over the years, Yumi had gotten used to vomiting. Whether it was due to anxiety, medication she had been prescribed, or even a few times of being over-liberal with certain types of alcohol, it had happened quite a few times. Obviously, with how often it had happened, and for whatever reason why it happened, it was not something she was overly fond of.
"Bye bye lunch…" Yumi sighed and rinsed her hands under the tap once more. As she reached for her pocket to retrieve a tissue, she grimaced with the realization that her coat was still out in the main room of the café with her-
No. Not her. Not Sachiko. Maya.
Maya Sagara.
How could she have been so stupid? How could have made such a childish mistake? She was supposed to be past all this, wasn't she? She was supposed to be an adult. She was supposed to-
"God… Damn it…" Yumi said, balling her hands into tight fists on the bathroom counter. She knew she had to go back out there. She had to go and apologize, at the very least. It was what an adult would do. She owed this woman- this stranger- at least that much.
Giving one last look in the mirror, Yumi ignored the look of pity that came from those brown eyes and walked out of the bathroom. As she entered the main dining area, Yumi's gaze fell on Maya, who was dutifully working away at Yumi's coat. Even though she now knew that this woman was not her… Yumi still couldn't help the feeling of anxiety that sprung up as she saw her.
The two women looked almost exactlyalike.
Same hair.
Same eyes.
Same face.
Same mouth…
Surely it couldn't be a coincidence… could it?
Sighing to herself, Yumi pressed her lips together and walked back to the table. When she got there, she stopped in front of Maya's seat and bowed at the waist.
"Sagara-san, I apologize." She said, her eyes glued to the floor. "I mistook you for someone else, and I said some really cruel things. You didn't deserve that, and I am truly sorry for my behavior." Yumi stood there for a few moments, feeling embarrassment creep up her neck as she bowed to the slightly older woman.
"It's alright. I understand." Came the calm response. "Don't worry about it, really."
Yumi straightened herself and sighed in relief at the smile on Sachiko… no- on Maya's face. "I'm really sorry." She said again, putting at much sincerity into her voice as she could manage. Maya shook her head and gestured to Yumi's side of the booth.
"Really, it's fine. Please sit down. I'm just about finished here." She said, her collected face a perfect resemblance to one Yumi had known and loved for so long.
Holding back the uncomfortable thought that just sprang into her head, Yumi re-seated herself and took a steadying breath. That was entirely too close. If it were indeed her… then Yumi had no idea how it would have turned out. If she had been prepared for it, then perhaps Yumi could handle herself. But, as it were… she was lucky. Lucky it was not Sachiko Ogasawara.
Safe with the knowledge that it was not her old Onee-sama sitting in front of Yumi, and instead it was just someone who looked just like her, Yumi was beginning to feel the aftereffects of her anger release itself from her body.
"So, may I know your name?" Maya asked lightly, her dark eyes flicking up from the coat to Yumi's face. "You know my name, after all."
Yumi gave a weak smile as she straightened herself. "I'm Yumi. Yumi Fukuzawa." Out of habit, she leaned forward and reached into her coat's breast-pocket. After slipping her fingers in the flap, she withdrew a small silver case. At Maya's raised eyebrow, Yumi pulled out a business card, and handed it to Maya using both her hands. She hadn't meant to be so formal, but the habit was a hard one to break. Still, she had to fight the small feeling of embarrassment that sprang up when Maya dropped her cotton ball to retrieve Yumi's business card with both hands.
"It's Fukuzawa from Fukuzawa Yukichi. You add 'right' to a shimesu-hen for Yu, and Mi for the year of the snake." Yumi explained as Maya looked over the card. Only after closing her mouth did Yumi realize that, not only was the explanation unneeded as Maya had her name written right in front of her, but the woman hadn't even asked. Out of the depths of Yumi's memories, she recalled her first time ever being introduced to the Rose family from her days at Lillian. The previous Rosa Gigantea, Rosa Chinensis and Rosa Foetida asking her for the Kanji spelling of her name, and Yumi's practiced response.
For a fleeting moment, Yumi wondered if the reason why she explained her name was because Maya's looks and voice reminded her of that day.
"I see…" Maya said, nodding. She then looked up and colored slightly; something Yumi was not all that used to seeing on that face. "You… want to know how to spell my name in Kanji, as well?"
"Oh, no, no." Yumi said, declining off the offer with a nervous wave of her hand. "I saw your name written on your ID. I'm not sure why I told you when you saw my name written down. It just slipped out. Habit, I guess."
Maya gave a soft laugh; a sound that Yumi found all-too-familiar, despite not hearing it for years. She was surprisingly glad to hear the sound again, and she felt her shoulders relax in response. "I see. You are an architect?" Maya asked, flicking Yumi's business card around to see the back.
"Yes. Well, more of an architectural designer. I work with my brother and my father. We have a family architectural business."
"Wow. That sounds wonderful." Maya said with a smile. She carefully slipped Yumi's business card into the purse at her side. After re-closing the purse, squared her shoulders and sat up a little straighter. "You know, I looked a little into architectural drafting when I was in art school. But it was far too difficult for me, I'm afraid."
"Oh yea? You said you are a painter?" Yumi asked, interested in what the woman did.
Maya shook her head. "No. Well, I do paint, but not primarily."
"A hobby?"
Another shake of the head. "No. Well…" She pursed her lips in thought. "I guess I am a writer. I write children's books and illustrate them myself."
"Hmm…" Yumi made a noise that was that of genuine interest and put her chin on her hands. She was still feeling the aftereffects of her anger and nervousness, and it was all she could do to keep from fidgeting around. "Are you published?"
Maya blinked and slowly smiled. "Yes. I have been published for a couple years now." She then looked back down at Yumi's coat and, after giving it a quick final examination, slid it over the table towards its owner. "There we go- good as new, Fukuzawa-san. Lucky thing, too; it looks expensive." She giggled softly, holding her hand to her mouth.
Yumi took her coat and lowered her head in a short bow. "Thank you very much. You didn't have to go through the trouble, Sagara-san. It isn't really all that important, this coat."
"Nonsense. A woman's clothing is just as important to her as her personal features." The other said, holding up her finger as if giving a lecture. She then laughed and gave Yumi a wink. "Or so my mother always says."
Yumi had to keep her surprise from leaking out on her face to that declaration. Considering how similar Maya looked to Sachiko Ogasawara, it was indeed unsettling to see the woman laugh and wink… like a young woman (or even a teenager!). It was almost like a playful gesture, one two close friends would use with one another. Not that Yumi minded, really. In fact, it made her respond in kind.
"My mother says the same thing!" She said, joining the older woman in her laughter. "In fact, many of my friends also say that… I may be the only one who doesn't really care about what she wears…" She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Maybe I need to look into that a little more?"
Maya gave a shrug and, looking at her watch, hissed softly between her teeth. "Oh, my… I am afraid I have to go. I have a business meeting to attend." She began to gather her things and put them in her bag. Yumi blinked and sat up straighter, suddenly very self-conscious.
"Oh! I'm sorry… I must have made you late. What with my coat and-"
"Don't worry, Fukuzawa-san, I won't be late. And even if I were to be late," She smiled, picking up her bag and her cup of coffee. "It was worth it. It was lovely meeting you." After standing, she bowed to Yumi. Scrambling to get up, Yumi returned the woman's bow and felt a bright blush warm her cheeks.
"I-it was nice meeting you too, Sagara-san!" She stammered nervously. "G-gokigenyou!" Only after saying the phrase did Yumi blink in shock. Just where had that come from? She hadn't said that phrase in years! Not since her time in Lillian Academy. She slowly looked up at Maya and was relieved to see the woman's familiar smile.
"Gokigenyou, Fukuzawa-san." She said and, with a small wave, she walked towards the entrance. Yumi watched as she opened the wooden door and closed it behind her, its bells jingling just under the brass-coated doorknob.
Exhaling heavily, Yumi's body crumpled back down on the seat and she stared for a long time at the untouched drink and cake in front of her. Today had felt so long and so very busy, and it was barely past two in the afternoon. Her mind felt numb and unfamiliar. Her body felt stretched and tingly. Her stomach still churned uncomfortably.
She had woken up this morning expecting a normal Friday. And it had been anything but that. Not only had she been pushed into a meeting with someone who worked with the Ogasawaras… but she also met someone who could be a doppelgänger for the one-and-only (at least… presumably) Sachiko Ogasawara.
Yumi eyed the slice of red velvet cake, not entirely sure her still-tender stomach could manage it. The drink she could probably force down. In fact, it would actually get rid of the acidic taste of vomit that she finally noticed lingering in her mouth. But the cake… the cake she would have to take home. Maybe Touko would like it. She was possibly going to come over that evening anyway.
Yumi reached out and picked up the lukewarm cup. She gave one last look to the door. After a long moment she swiveled her eyes towards the frosted window and took a slow, quiet sip of macchiato.
0 – 0 – 0
Part 3
Later that evening, Yumi found herself in her kitchen, dividing her attention between a marinating evenly-sliced beef brisket, russet potatoes boiling in a pot on her stove range, and an assortment of vegetables soaking beside the sink. After taking a solid twenty minutes of looking through her cupboards and refrigerator decided what to cook, she had finally decided on a western-influence meal.
During her time in university, Yumi decided (well, truth be told her friends decided, and Yumi had agreed by indifference) that she needed a new hobby to take her mind off of… certain things. After many failed attempts, cooking was finally settled upon and much to everyone's surprise, Yumi excelled marvelously at the skill.
At least one time a week, Yumi would get together with Yoshino and Rei at their home for dinner. Rei, being an extremely gifted cook, was the primary teacher for Yumi's new hobby. Yoshino, being an extremely gifted eater, was the perfect judge of her efforts. In the years since then, Yumi had continued to improve by cooking anything and everything she saw. On television, on the internet, even from word of mouth; Yumi would try it all. Sometimes she would succeed, sometimes she would fail. It didn't matter to her. What mattered was that in the process of cooking, she could relax. Relax, reflect, and try to better herself in the process.
It was Yumi's favorite and most useful attribute now that she lived on her own.
As she watched the water surrounding the potatoes boil, Yumi thought about the events of the day that led up to the evening. First, her business lunch with Yuuki and their client, Onoga. Yumi had pushed that to the back of her mind with what happened after, but now that she had the time to reflect on it, the realization of her new project hit her full on. A summer house wasn't that big of a deal. Yumi hadn't designed anything bigger than a two-story home as of yet, but it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for her. Actually working with the client would be the difficult part. Truthfully, however, the fact that Onoga did business with the Ogasawaras wasn't really what bothered Yumi. What bothered her was the fact that her brother hadn't given her any warning whatsoever. She had been expecting a regular client, not someone with ties to her old grande soeur's family.
What was Yuuki playing at, not cluing her in about that? Was he trying to annoy Yumi? Trying to embarrass her? Trying to force some sort of relapse?
Yumi shook her head and, using a large wooden spoon, gave the potatoes a few pushes in the boiling water. Whatever the reason her brother had for not telling her anything, the fact remained that Yumi was not a child anymore. Business was business, and she had to treat this client as important as any other. No matter whom he had relationships with.
But that still did not get Yuuki off the hook. Yumi would have to find a way to get back at her younger brother later. Maybe Yoshino could help come up with something? Her best friend usually had good ideas to annoy people... in a good-natured way, of course.
Yumi smiled ruefully and brought the potatoes down to a simmer. They were about ready to mash, and being potatoes, they could wait until the meat was just about finished.
She walked around her kitchen island to the pan of brisket lying out on the counter. Quick as a flash, she poked the meat with her index finger and popped her finger into her mouth, tasting the meat's juice. Good, it was ready to cook. She could start it and then take a breather while it cooked.
Putting on a pair of thick, pink oven mitts, she picked up the pan of brisket and walked over to the oven. She stopped in front of the dual-level hinged doors and used her foot to open the lower of the two. Making sure to double-check if the oven was pre-heated to the right temperature, she slid the pan of meat into the oven and carefully shut it.
"Alright… about forty-five minutes to cook in the oven… another five-to-ten to cook outside of the oven… fifty-five minutes." She said out loud, memorizing the instructions. She had a kitchen egg-timer, but it also helped her to say these types of things out loud. Yumi found it helpful, at least.
She slipped off the oven mitts and leaned against the edge of the countertop. Casting her eyes around the room, Yumi's attention fell on her phone laying on the other side of the island. After a moment, she walked over and picked it up, keying the bright screen to life. There weren't any messages or anything, she knew, but that still didn't stop her from hoping.
Stifling the sigh that threatened to escape her lips, Yumi turned her thoughts to the second, and by far the more interesting, development of the day.
Maya Sagara.
The woman who Yumi took at first to be none other than Sachiko Ogasawara.
That had certainly been a bigger surprise than the meeting with Onoga. Whereas she would have handled (professionally) a meeting with someone like Onoga, a meeting with Sachiko would have not been so easy for Yumi. Luckily, though, it had turned out not to be the Ogasawara heiress (currently still in England), and instead someone completely new.
New and more than a little intriguing.
Yumi's phone dimmed down to a black, inactive screen, and she tapped it again habitually.
Maya certainly had looked like Sachiko… but from what Yumi could tell from the older woman's mannerisms, she was pretty different personality-wise. She had acted... well... younger than she was. Almost playful, but still with that regal calmness that Sachiko absolutely radiated. It had been an interesting mix; one that Yumi was surprised to notice.
It was just too bad that she never got Maya's contact information.
Suddenly, blinking to herself, Yumi replayed the thought she just had through the analytical part of her mind. Maya's contact information? Why would she want that? Why would she need it? It wasn't as though she needed to get to get to know the woman. She was a perfect stranger. One who just happened to look like someone Yumi-
...
Yumi shook her head, attempting to clear it from unneeded thoughts. No, she didn't need to think like that. Sachiko was long gone. Thinking about things like this would only cause Yumi to get depressed again. If Yumi were sure of anything, it was that she didn't need that kind of thinking in her life anymore.
Still, though, it seemed to Yumi a shame that the meeting had been a one-time thing.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her hand.
"Gah!" Yumi cried out reflexively, holding her hand out at arm's length. It buzzed again, and this time Yumi let out a breath of relief. It was just a phone call… nothing to be concerned about. However, as she peered at the blinking display, her brow furrowed in confusion.
'Unknown caller' was what appeared on the incoming call information.
"Huh?" Yumi voiced aloud slowly. An unknown caller? She had a privately listed phone number; one she only used for personal and business reasons. She rarely received calls from an unknown number. There was no one she knew that would normally call using an unknown number, even. "Who…?" She mumbled slowly.
Suddenly, in a flash of recollection, Yumi remembered that she had given her business card to Maya Sagara earlier that afternoon. Yumi hadn't gotten the woman's contact information, but she had gotten Yumi's! But, it couldn't be her calling, could it? For one, she had no real reason to call her. Not only that, they had only met (and briefly at that) that afternoon. Even if she had a reason… it seemed a bit… presumptuous to call someone that soon.
Didn't it?
Swallowing against a suddenly dry throat, she pressed the answer toggle and pressed the pone to her ear. "H-hello. This is Yumi Fukuzawa."
"Yumi-san! Helloooooooo!"
It took a few short moments for the excited voice on the other line to become recognizable to Yumi. At once, the knot in her stomach unwound and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Yoshino-san… it's you…"
"Of course it's me!" Yoshino said, her tone turning a little indignant. "Who else would it be?"
"Well, you are calling me on an unknown number. So I was confused."
"Ahh, I see. I see." Came the amused reply. "I'm using the house phone. My cell is Oh Oh Pee: Out Of Power! Soooo… yea. Hence, the landline."
"I understand." Yumi said, sighing heavily. Thank God… she really didn't need any more surprises today. "So, what's up?"
Yoshino's voice was muffled for a moment, and then came back clear in the phone. "Huh? Oh! Yea! Rei-chan and I wanted to see if you were free tomorrow."
Yumi smiled into the mouthpiece and shrugged, fully aware that the other could not see her gesture. "I guess I am. That is, if whatever you have planned is better than sitting around eating ice cream in my underwear. Can you top that?" She heard Yoshino hiss sharply, a quick exhale of breath between her teeth.
"Ssssahhh! Damn! That's a close one. We were thinking of going to have tea at a mahjong house, some lunch, and then go shopping. Say… around noonish?" Her tone rose at the end, a clear sign at temptation towards Yumi. Not that the woman needed to bother; Yumi actually thought the idea sounded rather appealing.
"That does sound like it could be fun." She said. "Touko is coming to stay the night in a bit, though. Should I invite her as well?"
"Hang on." Yoshino said. Her voice became muffled again. Assumedly, Yumi guessed, she was conferring with Rei. The two cousins lived next door to each other and were therefore, essentially, housemates. They usually made plans together and needed to often check with the other before changes could be made. After a moment, Yoshino came back. "Rei-chan said sure, bring her along. I'm not sure why you have to ask, though. She's one of us, girl. She's always welcome to whatever we do."
Yumi shrugged again. "I know, but you know me. I always ask."
"Right, right, right. So, tomorrow?"
"Yup. Just text the address to me and Touko will drive us there."
"Cool. See you!" Yumi heard a soft, distant "See you tomorrow, Yumi-chan!" on the other end. The second voice belonged to Rei, she knew.
"Alright, good night, you two."
Smiling to herself, Yumi ended the call and placed the phone back on the countertop. Shopping with the girls tomorrow did sound especially nice. It would be a day away from work and distractions, spent with her friends, just being girls. With Yumi's oftentimes sporadic schedule, she usually didn't have enough time to be a girl. She was always just working, or with her brother, or drawing, or having quiet time at home alone. Having fun with friends was one of the things she missed most about her younger years in school and (when she had been emotionally stable enough) in university.
And if things went well, she might even find something cute to buy!
As the thought of buying something to wear occurred to her, Yumi heard a familiar voice in the back of her head, saying a somewhat unfamiliar phrase.
"Nonsense. A woman's clothing is just as important to her as her personal features."
Maya Sagara had said that earlier that day. If Sachiko Ogasawara had said it, Yumi would have been floored. But coming from someone else, who just happened to look and sound like the same woman... it seemed... different.
Suddenly, as if to stop Yumi from thinking too much more about that particular topic, her phone buzzed again. It buzzed twice, in quick succession. A message. "Yoshino sending me the address, huh? That was quick." Yumi said to herself and picked up her phone again. She pressed the toggle to expand the message and-
Immediately felt her stomach lurch as she read the words on the screen.
Yumi Fukuzawa-san,
It was lovely meeting you today! You are an interesting person.
I want to apologize again for spilling coffee on your coat. The stain should be gone, but if it is not let me know and I promise I will replace it for you.
I wanted to ask if you frequented the cafe we met at often. Do you? If you do, maybe we will meet again.
Have a lovely evening!
Maya
Yumi read the message, and then re-read it more slowly. It was indeed a message from Maya. It wasn't very long, but it wasn't short enough to write off as something like a 'thank-you note'. Lovely meeting you? Interesting person? What did she mean by adding those? Was she just being friendly, or was there another meaning in there?
And what about the last part? Maybe they will meet at the cafe again?
Yumi swallowed, gripping her phone tightly in her hand. It was at times like this she wished she knew more about working with people. Being a semi-hermit that only went to cafes alone and drew houses at home had its obvious disadvantages.
But one thing was certain about the message.
Maya thought Yumi was friendly enough to message her and likely wanted to meet again.
The question was... why?
A sharp ringing sound shook Yumi out of her stupor. "Uwah- Not again!" She cried out reflexively, clutching her phone to her breast. Only after a few moments of silence did she realize that she was still alone and then, feeling a little foolish, took a deep breath. "Just the front door." She told herself quietly. "Jeez, what am I, sixteen?" Laughing a little, she put her phone back on the counter and walked over to the over to check on the beef. Satisfied it was cooking properly, she nodded to herself and made her way out of the kitchen towards the front door.
"Just a second!" She called out towards the door. Walking over to her coat rack standing in the entryway, she picked out a light pink coat and slipped it on. Not bothering to zip up the coat, she stepped up to the door and opened it.
Touko Matsudaira stood on the other side of the doorway, her ever-present hair curls swaying gently in the evening winter breeze. Yumi smiled widely as she finished opening the door for the younger woman.
"Hi, Touko! I wasn't sure if you were going to be able to make it tonight." Yumi said as she stepped to the side, letting the other enter.
"At first, I wasn't sure I would be able to either, Onee-sama." Touko said, bowing slightly as she walked inside. "I managed to finish my lab work after lunch, but work at the hospital took all afternoon. It was all I could do to leave after everyone was taken care of."
"You really didn't have to go through so much trouble." Yumi said, shaking her head as Touko slipped of her ankle-length boots with one hand. Her other hand hefted her medium-sized overnight bag.
"Of course I did, Onee-sama." The younger woman returned tartly. "You are a troublesome Onee-sama. Therefore I must go through lots of trouble for you. Can I put this in your room?" Not allowing Yumi to come up with a retort for her vocal jab, she held up her bag with both hands.
Yumi kept her grin, but let her shoulders fall in defeat. The girl was quick, that much was certain. "Yea, go ahead. I'll be in the kitchen."
"I'll just be a moment."
With that, Touko marched off down the hall, but not before shrugging out of her burgundy winter coat and setting it on the coat rack as she passed. Yumi eyed the other's back for a moment, and then walked back down the hall to the kitchen. When she entered, she snatched up her phone and stuffed it into her trousers' pocket.
Better safe than sorry, after all. She knew Touko wouldn't go through her phone. But still...
After adjusting her somewhat loose-fitting jeans to accommodate for her phone, she opened the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher filled with dark red juice. She then grabbed two glasses from the cupboard and poured enough of the juice to fill the glasses roughly halfway. When she was just putting the pitcher back into the refrigerator, Touko walked into the kitchen.
"So what are you attempting to make tonight, Onee-sama?" She asked, setting herself on one of the bar stools alongside the island in the middle of the kitchen.
"Beef brisket marinated in red wine, mashed potatoes and cherry tomato salad." Yumi said, eyeing Touko as she brought her a glass of the juice. The younger woman wore a grey and white striped turtleneck sweater, black knee-length skirt, and white winter leggings. Yumi also noticed the glint of silver earrings behind her hair curls. She didn't often wear earrings, and Yumi found herself wondering what occasion Touko was 'dolled up' for.
"Western Friday night, then? Thank you." Touko said as she accepted the glass of juice. She took a sip and eyed the drink appreciatively. "Pomegranate? What's the occasion?"
"No occasion. I just like it, you know that." Yumi said, laughing as she sat next to Touko. "I should ask the same to you. A skirt? Earrings? What, you going on a date after this or something?" She felt Touko stiffen beside her and she smiled into her glass. It was always fun seeing the woman's reactions to light prodding.
"I cannot look good for my Onee-sama?" She asked hotly, making an effort to turn away from Yumi. "I apologize! I didn't know I wasn't allowed to dress up for you. Next time, I shall make sure to put on a sack before I meet you." She turned her face back slightly towards Yumi, and took another drink from her glass. "This is good."
Yumi snorted a laugh a put her head on the counter (Thud!). "Oh my God, Touko!" She giggled into the granite counter-top. "You are just so cute!"
A grunt was her only reply.
"Alright, alright." Yumi cleared her throat. "How's this? I really appreciate that you go to school all day, work at the hospital all afternoon and evening, and then still have the time to dress up and come see me." Yumi reached out and pressed her hand to Touko's cheek. "Really. Thank you." The girl peered back at Yumi, her cheeks tinged a light pink as she considered the older woman's words. Then, after a few long moments, she nodded.
"Alright then." She said, apparently satisfied. "As long as you understand, Onee-sama." She then stood up and looked around the kitchen. "Now then, your cute and overworked soeur would like to help you cook. What shall I do?"
Yumi smiled and stood up. "The meat is already in the oven so it'll be finished soon. I bought it pre-cooked and marinated it before popping it in the oven. It should still turn out alright, though. You can help prepare the tomato salad while I mash the potatoes. The makings are next to the sink and in the fridge. Cherry tomatoes, a cup of olives, some onion and pine nuts… the recipe is over there on the counter. You got to brown the pine nuts a bit, too." She gestured to a skillet already set out in the stove range beside the simmering pot of potatoes.
"And the salad dressing?" Touko asked, walking over to the sink to wash her hands.
"I already made the vinaigrette; olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and oregano. With just a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning. It's in a plastic container in the fridge."
The younger girl raised an eyebrow at Yumi after glancing over the recipe. "It seems to me that you don't even need my help, Onee-sama. You seem fairly on top of things."
Yumi laughed and placed a hand on Touko's shoulder in a consoling manner. "Now, now, Touko. As long as there is mixing and grunt work to do… you will always have a place in my kitchen."
0 – 0 – 0
Part 4
If Yumi had learned anything from taking Touko on as a petite soeur in high school, it was that the girl had many talents and strengths. Not once, in the ten years Yumi knew her, had Touko encountered difficulty doing anything (aside from a few instances, of course). The point is that Touko was a very self-assured woman. Definitely one of the strongest women Yumi knew, and when Touko said something, she was sure of it. She had rarely ever been wrong.
That was why when Touko put down her fork and looked at Yumi, her customary smirk gracing her face, and said "So, when will you tell me who it was you met?", all Yumi could do was groan in defeat, and slam her head down on her hardwood dinner table.
She could never hide anything from the younger girl. Intuition like a psychic. That had to be it. Yumi could testify in court if Touko were ever called on it.
Yumi peered up at Touko from the tabletop, and groaned a second time at the satisfied face the girl made as she picked up her fork. Humming an indistinct song to herself, she skewered a piece of brisket and popped it into her mouth. "This is fantastic. My compliments to the chef." She said after she chewed and swallowed.
"Oh shut up, smart-ass."
Another shrug, followed by another piece of meat. "In all seriousness though, Onee-sama: you are too easy to read."
"I know..." Yumi sighed and sat up. She gathered some mashed potato onto her fork and took a half-bite. She felt her lips turn into a small smile as she tasted the rewards of adding cheese to the potatoes after she mashed them. "That'll totally get me into trouble someday."
"I'm sure it already has." The younger girl said. She took a moment to dig into the salad she had prepared. From the smile that sprang up as she chewed, she was pleased by her work.
"Oh, speaking of getting into trouble," Yumi said, fidgeting in her seat. "Yoshino-san called earlier to ask us out tomorrow for lunch and shopping. Are you free?"
"Before going to your parents for dinner?"
"Yea. Lunch and afternoon with Yoshino-san and Rei-sama, then my house for dinner with Yuuki and my parents." Touko speared another piece of meat, and chewed it thoughtfully for a few moments. Yumi eyed the younger girl closely, not quite sure how to take the silence. Was she actually considering not going? "Are… you busy?" She asked tentatively.
"No, not particularly." Touko said, shrugging, a sort-of half smile on her lips. "I left the whole day open for you."
"Oh…" Yumi opened her mouth in a small 'o' and nodded. "I see. In that case, would you like to see if Aya-chan is free to join us tomorrow?"
Aya Kotomine, Touko's petite soeur from Lillian, was a sweet, energetic girl of twenty-five years. Currently working in her family's business (a flourishing computer company), the girl usually had weekends free to spend with friend. That is… when she wasn't stuck to a computer monitor.
Touko shook her head, a somewhat depressed tone now touching her features. "Unfortunately, she is busy tomorrow working on a new program. I was planning to have tea with her on Sunday."
"Oh! Well, that's good." Yumi said, smiling as her mental image of the playful girl came to mind. Everyone always said Aya and Yumi were similar. The two girls looked somewhat similar, as far as hair and eye color were concerned… but the main similarity was their matching personalities. Both girls were open books as far as expressing themselves physically was concerned. It was perhaps of that similarity that Touko had originally chosen the girl to give Yumi's rosary to. Needless to say, Yumi highly approved of Touko's choice of petite soeur. She had, at one point, been somewhat worried the younger girl's brashness and, what Yoshino had at one time described as Touko's 'prickly-ness', would put off a lot of potential soeurs.
In Aya Kotomine's case, it had been what attracted her to Touko, as it did Yumi the previous year.
It was because of the striking similarity that Aya and Yumi were called true 'grand-soeurs'. Even after Yumi left Lillian, the nick-name stuck.
"I miss her. We should find time to get together with her next time." Yumi remarked happily. She picked up a piece of beef with her fork and held it out at eye level, examining it.
"I will let her know. I'm sure Aya will be very pleased to hear that." Touko replied, taking a sip from her juice glass. "And please, stop changing the subject, Onee-sama."
Yumi blinked and dropped her fork, her eyes wide. "Uh…" She managed weakly.
"Whom did you meet?" The question was firm. She wouldn't budge.
Sighing, Yumi leaned forward and held her chin in her hands. "I didn't really meet anyone, Touko. I just… ran into someone today."
Touko raised an eyebrow. "Ran into someone? Who?"
Yumi actually laughed. "I mean, seriously, ran into. I was going to get a coffee and I ran into this girl as I walked into the store. She spilled her coffee on my coat."
"Hmm." Touko made a noise in the back of her throat as she chewed on a forkful of potato, indicating for Yumi to continue.
"So, she offered to help get the stain out, and we talked for a while." Yumi shrugged in an attempt to end the conversation. "And that's it."
"And that's it? Nothing to add?" Touko pressed, her smirk back on her lips. Yumi returned the younger girl's gaze for a few long moments, and then gave in with another sigh. Check, and Mate.
"And… I gave her my business card. It was totally normal. At least… I thought so. Then she…" Yumi hesitated, not quite sure how to say it. "She messaged me just before you came." Slowly, feeling the weight of her embarrassment at being found out by the younger woman, she pulled out her phone from her pocket and handed it to Touko. The younger girl retrieved the phone and pressed a few toggles. After reaching the messages, Touko read through the most recent one and raised an eyebrow, a somewhat humored look adding to her smirk.
"My, my… it seems she might be interested in meeting again, this Maya."
Yumi groaned and put her forehead back onto the tabletop. "Don't remind me. What the hell, Touko? We just met today!"
"And what's wrong with that, Onee-sama? From the tone of this message, it doesn't seem anything less than friendly. You don't have to read more into it than that." She laughed softly, a short exhale through her nose. "Though, it seems she was quite taken with you. How old is she?"
"Twenty-eight, I believe."
Touko 'hummed' again thoughtfully, tapping the semi-rounded corner of Yumi's phone. "Have you replied her yet?"
"No… I'm not sure I should."
"Why not?"
Yumi opened her mouth to speak, only to find that she didn't know what to say. She rolled her head around to look sideways, away from her food and towards the doorway into simple dining room. From this angle, she could see right into her living room. She could even see her television, though angled slightly away from her. She pursed her lips and chose the best answer she could vocalize.
"I'm… not sure I should think about getting close to anyone else."
That brought Touko down a few steps. Yumi heard her set down her fork and sigh softly. After a long silence, the younger girl spoke. "I disagree, Onee-sama. I think getting to know someone else would be a step in the right direction for you. As things are now, everyone you know is well aware of… your particular circumstances. And while we know how to deal with it well enough, I believe sharing things with someone new might help you branch out and learn something new about yourself." She paused for a minute, choosing her words. "While I am not saying go out and find a girlfriend or something, I think meeting new people is a good thing for you. This Maya…" She stopped, obviously fishing for a complete name.
"Maya Sagara."
"Thank you. This Maya Sagara seems to be friendly enough. And you two met at a café. If you two go there often, maybe you can meet there and, dare I say, become friends."
Yumi turned her face back towards Touko, and saw the girls dark eyes gaze back into her brown eyes. She didn't even have to speak. After nine years of being soeurs with each other, Yumi and Touko knew more about each other than anyone else in the world. She told Touko everything, and she knew the girl never kept anything from her in return. It was a relationship she never really had with anyone in the past, and would never have again. There was only one Touko in Yumi's world.
And yet…
She couldn't bring herself to tell her about Maya's likeness to Sachiko.
Not because she was scared of how similar the two women were. She knew they were different people.
She couldn't tell her because she was scared of what Touko would think of her if she did.
0 – 0 – 0
Part 5
"So, did you reply her message yet, Onee-sama?"
Yumi turned her attention away from the television towards Touko, who just walked into the living room in a long nightshirt, her hair damp and straightened. The girl padded over to Yumi, who was on the couch, and sat down next to her.
"Not yet. I'm still not sure if I should." Yumi replied quietly, facing the television again. Just before Touko entered the living room, Yumi had turned the channel from the late news to a comedy game show. She lowered the volume just a little to allow for a quieter, more comfortable atmosphere.
"Don't be silly. Of course you should." Touko chided from beside Yumi. "I told you it was a good idea, didn't I? Would you want to prove me wrong? Me, your cute, overworked petite soeur?"
"No, of course not." Yumi laughed, shaking her head. "I just… I don't know." Touko silently put her head on Yumi's shoulder, her still-damp hair sending a small chill down the older woman's arm.
"Very well. If you are uncomfortable, then you don't have to. I don't want to make you do something you don't want to do." Touko said, her condescending tone fading into understanding. "I just want you to be happy, Onee-sama. One way or another. You know what I think."
Yumi smiled and reached her arm around the other's neck, gently holding her to her in a comfortable embrace. "I know, Touko. I know." She said, resting her head on Touko's. "I'll think about it, alright?"
"That's all I ask, Onee-sama."
Later that evening, after the television had been turned off and the front door securely locked, Yumi and Touko climbed into bed. Yumi took her usual place on the right while Touko lay comfortably on the left. Yumi smiled happily as the younger woman nuzzled in close to her and, with a soft "Goodnight", she shut off the bedside lamp.
Touko had always been a quick sleeper and, sure enough, within minutes the girl was sound asleep. Yumi always found sleep somewhat difficult to find and oftentimes ended up listening to music from her MP3 player, or reading a book to pass the time.
This time, Yumi reached over and, careful not to disturb her bed-mate, keyed her phone to life. Its LED screen cast a soft blue glow over her face and, peering to the side, Yumi saw the back of Touko's head. Just in case the light happened to wake the woman up, she was at least facing away from Yumi.
Yumi brought up her received messages and opened the most recent one.
Yumi Fukuzawa-san,
It was lovely meeting you today! You are an interesting person.
I want to apologize again for spilling coffee on your coat. The stain should be gone, but if it is not let me know and I promise I will replace it for you.
I wanted to ask if you frequented the cafe we met at often. Do you? If you do, maybe we will meet again.
Have a lovely evening!
Maya
Pressing her lips tightly together, Yumi pressed the 'reply' toggle and slowly typed out a response.
Maya,
Thank you for your message. It was very nice meeting you today, as well.
It's really no big deal about the coat. I want to thank you again for going through the trouble of cleaning it. I wouldn't have been able to do it that quickly… or that well, for that matter.
As for that café… I actually go there pretty often. If you do as well… then I'm sure we will meet again.
Have a good night.
Yumi
Swallowing as quietly as she could, Yumi hovered her thumb over the send toggle. Her heart pounded uncomfortably loud in her ears, and she was sure it was loud enough to wake Touko if it continued for much longer.
Was she really going to do this? Was the really going to send Maya a message? Was it bad to want to get closer… maybe to start a friendship with a girl who looks just like Sachiko? Was it wrong? Crazy? Would it hurt in the long run? What would people think, if they were to find out?
"To hell with it." Yumi said, and pressed the send button. At once, the notice 'Message sent' appeared with the date and time underneath it.
Taking a slow, steady breath, Yumi put her phone into standby mode and replaced it on her bedside stand.
As she relaxed her head back into her pillow, she felt Touko shift her body beside her. In response, Yumi pulled herself closer to the warmth coming from the younger woman and yawned tiredly.
It had been a very long day.
At least it was over.
0 – 0 – 0
UPDATED 12/18/13: Grammar, word and sentence correction (9,700 words)
A/N: Hell yea! 9,700 words! How do ya like them apples! Want I should keep up long chapters? :-P
A few notes: I lost my USB over the weekend and about popped a blood vessel because I had about 6000 words of the chapter on it, and it wasn't backed up on my desktop. Luckily, my coworker picked up the USB and I got it back on Monday. The world is again safe. Now my crap is backed up. You live, you learn.
As the light novels of Yumi's senior year have yet to be translated, and I am far too lazy to read the Japanese raws, Touko's petite soeur, Aya, is a product of my creation. Obviously, so is Maya, but she definitely would NOT be in the novels. Just run with me on this. If anyone is less lazy than me and actually had encountered Touko's soeur in the untranslated novels (if she is ever mentioned), then please feel free to correct me politely :-) Aye?
I can feel through the force than quite a lot of you are like "Whaaaa? An OC will take the place of our beloved Sachiko?!" The force is indeed strong with you all to have reached me all the way here in China, but you could still be mistaken. I will tell you NOT TO WORRY! Just hang in there and I promise you all will NOT be disappointed. I don't wanna spoil anything so... *shhhhhh*
Peace! See you on the next chapter! (if you all haven't abandoned me by then T.T)