A/N: Im very sorry for the slow update. Been busy with work and Im thinking of going back to school so been visiting universities these past few weeks.
Im not sure what to say about this chapter but I would appreciate it if you would leave your comments.
I revised the last conversation between Shizuma and Yumi, one of the reviews mentioned that it was somehow ambiguous. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. I hope its clear now. I really appreciate it.. :)
Chapter 3 – Confusing Confirmation
"Ne, Rei-chan… Are you ok? You've been really quiet after what happened at the Rose Mansion." Yoshino asked her cousin while they were walking home.
Rei, somehow still out of it, took a little longer to realize that Yoshino was speaking to her. "Rei-chan no baka! Are you even listening to me?" Yoshino shouted and forcefully swatted Rei's right arm.
"Owww.. What was that for?" said the older woman with annoyance laced in her voice while trying to rub the area to alleviate the pain she was feeling. Rei was somehow worried for her bestfriend, she was well aware of Sachiko's feelings for Yumi, she had known about it when she caught her friend eyeing Yumi like a dirty old man.
"I'm sorry Yoshi, it's just that I'm a bit worried about Sachiko. Did you see how shocked she was when she heard what Hanazono-san announced her relationship with Yumi-chan to the entire Yamayurikai." She reached for her cousin's hand and started talking again. "You know how Sachiko is when it comes to Yumi-chan, she could be VERY protective and just hearing that is somehow hurtful on her part."
Yoshino somehow had a clue about what her cousin is talking about, it was pretty the same thing she was thinking of. Working with Rosa Chinensis everyday and at the same time being classmates with Yumi, she quite understood the shock Sachiko was going through.
Also, being one of the people who witnessed the development in the relationship of the Red Rose family as soeurs, she could see that both of her close friends have feelings for each other. What's frustrating Yoshino the most, as well as the other members of the council is that it's very obvious that both Yumi and Sachiko have feelings for each other, and the two people involved were the only ones who were oblivious about each other's feelings. Talk about being dense!
Yoshino has been classmates with Yumi for two years in a row and they have become really close in that amount of time. Sure, they are bestfriends with Shimako for they always spend time together during lunch break and weekends but Yoshino and Yumi were always seen together that people sometimes call them the Twin Roses.
She and the young red rose talked just about anything and when Yumi had a slip of the tongue and admitted that she likes her onee-sama, her pig-tailed friend made her take an oath that she will not tell a single soul not even her cousin Rei and if by any chance she committed infringement, Yumi would condemn her by strangling her to death using her own French braids.
Although Rei and Yoshino did not consciously confide with each other about their bestfriend's secret, they need not do so, they were cousins after all. They have been together since they were babies and they could easily read what the other was thinking. Besides, they do not need to speak out what the issue was all about; unconsciously, both Red Roses were pretty much giving the game away.
"I'll see you tomorrow Yoshino. Good night." Yoshino stopped at their door step and deeply sighed, she was still a bit bothered about what she had learned, Rei quickly sensing her cousin's discomfort stepped closer and placed a gentle kiss on her cousin's forehead.
"Thank you Rei-chan. I just don't want them to get hurt. We both know how they were in the past." Yoshino stepped back and gave her cousin a quick peck on the cheek and opened the door to her house.
'I'm so confused right now, what are you thinking Yumi-san?'
Sachiko was never a violent woman, she may be hysterical at times but she was never the type who would smash or throw things away. Well, not until… today. When she got home a few minutes ago, her mother, Ogasawara Sayako was surprised to see her daughter slamming the car door with all the force she could muster. It was her first time to see her only daughter act in a very brusque manner; she knew how Sachiko was in their house when seen by their servants, she always carry herself with dignity even though at times she was not in the best of moods.
In her formal training in becoming a proper lady, she was taught that showing one's emotion can only make a person vulnerable. Thus, Sachiko was able to perfect putting on her mask whenever she was with other people most especially around her family.
Her father and grandfather are among the best people when it comes to business. As the only successor of the Ogasawara assets, she was expected to be on the top and even surpass the men's achievements in business. Overseeing the overall operations for the Ogasawara Zaibatsu, her father, Ogasawara Tooru is expecting her to take over the business in the near future together with her husband betrothed to her when they were young.
Three years ago, Sachiko would have been delighted to wear a long white bridal gown and gracefully walk down the aisle while her soon-to-be-husband waits at the altar in his stunning black suit. However, her dream of becoming a full-fledge wife shattered when Kashiwagi Suguru, her cousin and fiancé confessed that his love for her was that of a cousin only and that no romantic feelings will ever come between them. And if she was born as a male, he probably would have accepted the wedding arrangement but to no avail, she was born a woman.
Anyone who probably had that kind of experience would definitely turn their backs against the opposite sex, an all-time childhood Prince Charming turned closet Cinderella plus the fact that her father and grandfather have their own fair share of infidelity. It was probably a family trait, something the Princess really frowns upon.
"Sachiko, is everything alright? What seems to be troubling you, my daughter?" asked Sayako who was coming out from the kitchen while bringing a tray of tea. She set down the tea on one of their coffee tables and gestured for her daughter to seat opposite her.
"I'm fine, Mother." Sachiko answered back but it was obvious that she was holding back something and Sayako noticed this and gave a long sigh. "Did you know that one of our film production companies is casting for actors and actresses for their new project? I think you should take the main role."
The young heiress looked at her mother, her cerulean orbs narrowed and darkened a little bit while assessing if the older woman was being serious or if she was just trying to make fun of her and just to keep the conversation going she asked in her nonchalant way. "Really? I've never heard about it. What movie are they making this year?"
Sayako took a sip and smirked impishly. "Pinocchio"
"Mother!" the raven-haired woman retorted back, her face flushed.
Sayako began laughing at her daughter's reaction, she was laughing so hard that her stomach was beginning to feel cramps. Sachiko joined in her mother; she could not help but laugh at her mother's antics. Sayako couldn't be any happier to see her daughter laugh and be carefree like this, she could only wish that one day her daughter would consciously share to her more bits and pieces about herself and the things that are going on in her life.
"You got me there, Mother. But seriously, it's nothing." Sachiko said after her endless laughter died down to giggles and her face became stoic as usual.
"Ok, but you know you can always tell me anything. You better wash up; dinner will be ready in an hour." Replied the older woman, as she called one of their housemaids to pick up the tray and instructed them to prepare dinner.
'Sooner or later I would know what is disturbing you, my dearest daughter.' Sayako thought internally her lips curling upwards maliciously.
"Baby, could you hand me the bodywash? I forgot to replace the bottle this morning." Satou Sei shouted from the bathroom, the door swung open wildly while the blonde audaciously displayed her suds-covered body.
Donned with apron while rummaging the drawer in their bedroom where they put their toiletries, the young woman handed the body wash. "Hurry up, dinner is almost done." Before going back in the kitchen, she eyed the blonde from top to bottom and gave the woman a quick kiss on the lips.
After a few minutes, the blonde emerged from the kitchen newly bathed wearing her usual clothes when she is at the confines of her home. Seeing that her lover's not aware yet that she had entered the kitchen, she sneaked behind the woman's back and squeezed the ample breast of her partner. When she heard the satisfied moan of the woman, she let go and hugged the woman tightly.
"I love you, Youko" Sei told the former Rosa Chinensis with all the love she could gather.
Youko turned her body so that she was facing the woman before her; she looked at those bluish-grey eyes that she loves to gaze at. She brushed stray hair away from her lover's face and cupped her cheeks with both hands.
'God I love this woman. I'm just so happy that finally you are mine.' Youko reflected for a minute and a smile graced her beautiful face. "I love you too, Sei" She pulled the woman to the living room and made her sit on the couch. On the table lay their dinner, steaming miso soup, chicken yakitori and their favorite coffee jelly for dessert.
The kitchen table was rarely used for eating, most of the time they eat their meals in the living room. They feel more at ease and they love the feeling of eating close to each other while sitting comfortably. Most of the time, the loving couple would talk about how the day went for them, it was usually the time where they tell each other's concerns and problems.
"Youko?" Sei called out the love of her life, her head now lay on her lover's lap.
"Hmm?" Youko mumbled incoherently, she was too engrossed at the sitcom showing on their television.
"Marry me." Sei pulled her girlfriend's face closer to her and gave her a loving kiss.
The Red Rose pulled out from their kiss and said, "You know I would marry you in a heartbeat. But tell me Babe, what has gotten into you and you are suddenly asking me?"
"Well, I was just shocked about what I learned about Yumi-chan. I didn't expect for her to be married, let alone to a woman. But damn! That woman is sooo HOT!" a playful smirk adorned her face but Youko would have none of it, she grabbed a throw pillow and smothered Sei until the blonde begged for mercy.
"Arrgghh.. Yoo-uhmng… Stop… Ple-arhmm" Sei pleaded while she was continuously being suffocated by her girlfriend; Youko was not yet contented, she started smacking Sei's face with the pillow.
Knowing that she will be dead if she did not escape the wrath of her lover, Sei dashed for their bedroom and locked the door behind her. She lay on their bed and tried to catch her breath. Any minute now, Youko would come barging in the room, she had her own set of keys after all and the former Rosa Gigantea could only wish that her love had cooled off just a bit.
The sound of the lock clicked open and she knew that Youko was now inside their room, she felt the bed sink and an arm wrapped around her waist. She laid there motionless trying not to react too much from her lover's gentle caress; she bit her lip to prevent herself from moaning. She knew that it was a trap and if she fell for it, she is dead meat.
Finally the teasing stopped, Satou Sei slightly opened her eyes, her face lightened up while looking at the beautiful goddess; there lay beside her the most gorgeous woman her eyes ever laid on, it took awhile for her to realize that Youko was the one for her. Her heart was shattered when Shiori left her but Youko was the one who picked her up and helped her put back the broken pieces together. She was with her even before she met Shiori and now that they are together, she will do anything just to be with this wonderful person.
"Sei, do you think Sachiko will be ok?" worry laced the Red Rose's voice as she recalled the events that took place at the Rose Mansion this afternoon. "We both know how Sachiko feels about Yumi, she may not verbally admit it, but you know how she is. She keeps everything to herself and things would have gotten worse already before she speaks up. I know that part of it was because of the training she had, but I just can't help but worry about my petite soeur."
Sei pulled her lover over to her body, Youko now lay down on top of her partner their body pressed together they could feel every curve of their body and the heat radiating from their skin. She hugged her Youko tightly and whispered, "Well, it was really a shocker that Yumi-chan's married, and I'm sure that Sa-chan's broken-hearted. But we can't be sure if it's really true. I think this is the time when Sachiko must prove her love for Yumi. But before that, she must first confess her true feelings to my favorite plaything."
Youko settled herself between her lover's mounds and sighed deeply. She knew that Sei was right, at this moment she can't do anything to help her sister, and it was up to Sachiko to make the first move. This is one situation "The Meddler" has to sit out.
"You know, Babe... I'm surprised how you can easily pick up other people's feelings. But when I was openly flirting at you and I was already throwing myself on you, you were so damn clueless!" Sei sniggered making her whole body shake. "Oh well, I guess it's one of the infamous traits of the Chinensis family, you Red Roses maybe diplomatic and all that sense BUT your family can be soooo damn seriously dense!"
The magazine flew and landed on the carpeted floor with a subdued thud, the words and the colorful illustrations of the latest fashion and gadgets never seemed to interest the young heiress after she carelessly flipped the pages.
Sachiko sat back straight while arranging the pillow behind her back; grabbing her laptop that was on the opposite side of the bed, she deliberately adjusted the screen and clicked on several programs that were running on the background.
She normally would not consider herself a techie person for she never went gaga over newly released gadgets and despite her family's copious resources, the current Rosa Chinensis considers herself a very practical person. Although her gadgets are among the top-of-the-line in the market, she was never greedy to buy something that is not necessary.
Right now, her must-haves are always her laptop, her cell phone which she recently upgraded because her old mobile doesn't have the much needed features she likes in a cell phone; she wanted to have a phone that can do calls and text messaging as well as check her emails and other applications needed when her laptop is not within arm's reach. She also has those iPad which was given to her by her mother, not that she uses it all the time but it's more convenient to bring it to school or just to kill time.
After closing some programs that were not needed as of the moment, Sachiko clicked on her browser and immediately logged on to her email account. Every night, she had to read the company emails sent by her Father and had to study the financial reports submitted by the branch heads. Her fellow Yamayurikai would also send her emails regarding school programs and sometimes anything that they find cute or funny or even stupid.
With a deep sigh, the young heiress signed out of her mailing account; she did not find anything interesting so she just opened her Facebook account and checked out some of her friends' status updates at the same time checking on her messenger if any of them are online. Sighing again, she was disappointed to see that none are available.
Sachiko's face lit up however after relentless scrolling down of the page and found a very interesting status update.
"Bon Voyage Mom, Dad and Yuuki! I'm going to miss you, don't forget my souvenirs!"
Her eyes lingered a little bit more at her petite soeur's new post. She could not help but smile by just the mere thought of her dear Yumi. Sachiko clicked on the like button and read some of the comments of well wishers.
'I wonder where Yumi's at? Her last post was 2 hours ago' the young heiress wondered to herself and looked at her page again to double check the time and even the place where Yumi checked in that says Narita International Airport.
'Yumi's probably home by now, it has been hours ago since she posted this one. Maybe I should call their house and check on her but it's a bit late already so maybe that's not a good idea'. Sachiko checked on the clock placed on top of her bedside table and winced a little after seeing the time. Written in bright cyan color, the clock announced it was past midnight. 'But what if she's afraid because she's all alone there? I should have asked her to come over.'
After mentally debating whether to call her petite soeur or not, her proper training beat her to it and settled to just call her beloved first thing in the morning. She clicked on the Refresh button and read the newly updated post from the people listed as her "friends" on Facebook. A smile began to form on her beautiful face when Yumi posted yet another update. She felt relieved knowing that Yumi was home safe and sound.
"Home! Tired and so sleepy. See you tomorrow Onee-sama!" Sachiko was in heaven, her heart started galloping like a horse on a race track and her skin feels flushed. As fast as her emotion changed from worry to euphoria, her heart sunk 100x faster when her sapphire eyes moved her gaze somewhere below Yumi's status. It says on the bottom part where a location was tagged "In Bed - with Hanazono Shizuma"
Darkness suddenly filled Sachiko's eyes and mind, and a sound of glass kissing the concrete pavement could be heard a few seconds ago. She did not realize that she threw her newly-bought phone out of the veranda door, good thing that the French doors were opened or it would have also shattered from the impact. "Oh great! I just recently bought that phone and now I need to get another one again. Hanazono, you suck out my year's worth of patience, I can't wait for the day when I'll crush you and show Yumi that you don't deserve to be her wife. No one is more suitable but ME!" she growled reflexively while flopping back on her bed in a very unladylike manner.
"I have done nothing but scowl the whole day today. Ever since I dreamt of that silver-haired bitch, things are starting to go against me." Sachiko uttered in a very irritated voice. She tried to calm herself and closed her eyes to devoid herself of any unwanted thoughts but still it returns to the events that took place in the Rose Mansion, the words rang out in her head over and over again.
Yumi is my wife!
Hanazono Shizuma declared with all her pride and might and the people in the Rose Mansion fell silent. It was too silent that one could hear their pounding heartbeats. Taken aback by what the silver-haired goddess's sudden announcement, Sachiko retaliated without much of a plan. She was really shocked about this unexpected revelation and she shouldn't let the other woman win by landslide. Even though she hasn't fully confessed her true feelings to her petite soeur, she's not going down without a fight and give Yumi up.
"Are you out of your mind!? How could that be possible? What nonsense are you trying to plant in Yumi's mind? Tell me Yumi, this woman is just trying to pull our legs, right?" the raven-haired beauty fired her questions relentlessly.
"A-ano, Onee-sama… Shi—Hanazono-sama and I are…."Yumi was about to answer but yet again she was interrupted by Shizuma.
"Yumi… Let's go. You need not explain to this woman here. She's not even FAMILY so you need not waste your time with her." The woman shot back at Yumi and looked at her in the eye. The look she gave the younger girl confused her further; Yumi just could not understand why the person who presented as her wife was so hostile towards her grand soeur.
"We need to come home now." Shizuma stood up and grabbed the young brunette's book bag and Yumi, half dragging her towards the door. With her long strides, they were able to reach the first floor in no time and walked to the cobbled steps towards the entrance gate without a second glance.
"Sachiko! We need to go after them; we have to make sure that Hanazono-san is telling the truth." Youko yelled while waving her hand frantically in front of Sachiko's face, which got its desired effect. Sachiko snapped from the shock she received and went out of the mansion with the rest of its occupants.
By the time the Yamayurikai got out of the mansion, Yumi and Shizuma were too far away already and it would seem impossible to catch up to them.
'If.. if it's for Yumi…I…Forget school rules! Forget being a lady! I'm not letting that lunatic take Yumi away from me just like that.' After mentally battling with her innate nature of being a proper lady, Sachiko's true feelings emerged victoriously and with that she dashed towards the fading image of her petite soeur and her abductor, their size getting smaller and smaller as the distance became far too great. The other council members tried to catch up with the Ice Princess but they were surprised to see that Sachiko even has talents in sprinting.
"Whoa!...Youko… I didn't…know Sachiko…could… run really.. fast," said the blonde university student as she panted for air.
Half-way through the entrance gate, Sachiko noticed that there were group of people walking towards her petite soeur and Shizuma, two men—one older and the other about their age, and a woman. 'Brown hair… big eyes… Ah! It's Yuuki-san and their parents. I wonder what they are doing here.' Rosa Chinensis wondered and slowed to a jog to an almost stop.
Only a few feet away, the raven-haired girl could not help but overhear the exchange of words between the woman she despises the most and her beloved's family.
"Shizuma-chan! I wasn't expecting to see you here. We were getting worried that Yumi hasn't come home yet so we decided to drop by the school and pick her up." Fukuzawa Yuuichiro uttered, with a playful smirk on his face making his fine lines even more visible.
"Yuuichi-tosan! I missed you! I'm so sorry but we got held up for a little bit. Of course I'm here, I'm picking up my wife." Shizuma answered and grinned.
"Hahaha! You're still at it, you never change. You're looking more like your father." Fukuzawa Miki chimed in and gave the woman a firm hug.
"Yuu-kun! Aren't you gonna give me a hug?" Yumi's younger brother, though he could pass as her twin, walked towards the green-eyed goddess and gave her a bone-shattering hug and playfully smacked her bottom really hard.
"YUUKI! You know I only have eyes for your sister, you don't stand a chance!" Shizuma chewed out at the young boy and looked at him scornfully but laughed really hard afterwards.
Sachiko was flabbergasted by what she was seeing. Right there in front of her, Yumi's parents and brother acted very familiar with the woman who was trying to rob Yumi from her. Aware that she was almost near where her little sister's family was gathered, she rearranged her uniformed that got slightly ruffled due to her abrupt impulse to run after Yumi.
The young heiress knew that no matter what she does, her training would always resurface in whatever circumstance she is in, outsiders often conclude that she is the perfect example of a true lady, a woman of great stature and she's expected to act properly at all times. But only those people who truly know her would make out that it was just a façade that she perfectly portrays. If people would try to look deeper into the heart of the princess, she's just like any ordinary teenage girl, well maybe not so ordinary but she's just like any girl who feels a lot of emotions, and definitely she also… falls in love.
"Gokigenyou, Miki-obasan and Yuuichiro-ojisan." Sachiko happily acknowledged the two adults and bowed her head slightly. "Gokigenyou, Yuuki-san. It was nice to see you again."
Yuuki blushed a little bit by Sachiko's greetings and bowed slightly to return the welcoming treatment. He always find the older girl beautiful, he is a man after all; he always knows how to appreciate the beauty of other people but Yuuki knows that he is yet to find the girl that would capture his heart but it was definitely not Ogasawara Sachiko.
"Konnichiwa, Sachiko-san." Yuuki said timidly and looked away afterwards.
"Ahh! Sachiko-chan! It's good to see you, you're beautiful as ever." Yuuichiro said after the short exchange between her and his son. He finds the young heiress interesting and since she was her daughter's onee-sama, he treats Sachiko as his own daughter as well.
"Thank you Oji-san. You're looking good as well." Sachiko responded politely.
"Sachiko-chan! Thank you for looking after our daughter, I know that we could always trust you when it comes to Yumi. You care for her just as much as we do." Miki raised both her hands and motions Sachiko to give her a hug.
Sachiko blushed furiously by Miki's gesture, nobody except maybe for her mother would treat her like a normal person. Most people think of her as someone of high stature because of the name she carries thus, she must be treated extraordinarily. But Miki and the rest of her petite soeur's family regard her like someone like them- like their own family and she appreciates that the most.
"Yuuichiro, I believe it's time to go. We don't want to be late for our flight." Miki looked towards her husband and walked towards him. She looked at Yuuki and Yumi if they were all set and signaled them to proceed to the car.
The Fukuzawa family walked towards the gate and climbed in to their respective cars, the Fukuzawa couple and Yuuki at their sedan, and in tow with them was the silver-haired rival of the Ice Princess in which Yumi situated herself at the passenger seat of the red Porsche. Sachiko felt her heart breaking, it would seem she lost her battle against the newcomer and Yumi just willingly left without saying anything to her at all.
However, hope sparked back to the raven-haired beauty when she saw her beloved imouto spoke to Shizuma and immediately opened the car door. Yumi ran towards her onee-sama, timidly hugging the older girl.
"I'm sorry Onee-sama that we can't go home together today." The brown-haired girl stated and it was obvious that she did not want to leave her grand soeur.
"It's fine, Yumi. I'm just a bit confused with what's going on." Sachiko said gently and reached for Yumi's scarf and fixed it like she normally does. Even though the scarf was in perfect knot, Sachiko still re-tied the scarf and brushed the invisible wrinkles off the sailor collar.
"I know Onee-sama. I promise…" a earsplitting car horn disrupted Yumi which startled the young girl a bit and both Rosa Chinensis and En Bouton looked at the offending driver but with different expression; Sachiko glared at Shizuma with disdain and Yumi with a pleading look in her eyes.
"Yumi! We are running late! Hurry up!" Yumi had no choice but to join her family and scurried away towards the car; but about half-way, Yumi turned around and started to run backwards making her steps a little unstable from not being able to see what she was stepping on and hollered at her onee-sama, forgetting about her manners like always.
"I'll tell you everything tomorrow Onee-sama." The young girl exclaimed and just before she turned her back, she gave Sachiko her to-die-for smile.
Everything was hazy for the Red Rose right now, she was not able to clarify Shizuma's true relationship with Yumi and it seemed that things became more confusing for her when Yumi's family did nothing to falsify her opponent's claim. And yet she still felt happy...
'Oh Yumi…'
After what seemed like hours but it was only for a few minutes, the Princess snapped out of her trance and tried to calm her pounding heart. Just thinking about what happened to her this day made her heart race both good and in a bad way. Good because just looking at Yumi is like a dream come true and bad because it also felt like a nightmare because of the sudden appearance of her long-time archnemesis.
"Well, I better take a bath than dawdle here on my bed." She said to no one in particular. Grabbing one of her fluffy towels, Sachiko proceeded to her own bathroom which was a mix design of Japanese and Western. A lot of things had happened this afternoon and the princess wanted to just wash the dirt off her body and dip herself in the tub for awhile. She needed to calm herself and think of a plan to win her Yumi.
When she was done washing her body and hair, Sachiko dipped in the warm tub and let her stiff muscles relax. She needed it badly, if she was to plan for a counter-attack, she needed to calm herself down. She knows that she is an intelligent woman, and her father made sure that she was more than equipped in the battle called business and if there is one thing Sachiko would be thankful for towards her father, it would have to be this—her strategic planning is at a superb level and NEVER had she failed.
"Father said that if faced in a complicated situation, make sure to investigate not just the superficial but every nook and cranny of the enemy and always look at the bright side of things. If there's one thing that came out positive from that sudden revelation that she is somebody's wife, it saved me the trouble of finding out that Yumi swings the other way." And with that, the raven-haired girl slid out of the tub with a satisfied and a knowing smile plastered on her lovely face.
"Attention please! This is the final boarding call for Japan Airlines flight JP 4487 direct to France. Could all passengers for this flight proceed immediately to gate 4B."
With a musical four-note tone, the airport announcement ended making the remaining passengers scamper towards the exit. Some anxiously waiting for companions that have not yet arrived, others crying their hearts out for fear of not seeing their loved ones for a long time but there are also those people who are not even a tad bit shy to express their excitement to go out of the country.
"Mom, that's your call." Yumi said to her mother while running at full speed towards the check-in area. They were running late due to the incident at school and it also seemed that they were caught in the afternoon rush hour so all the streets of Tokyo are fuming with people and automobiles.
Barely making it on time, the whole Fukuzawa household except for Yumi went straight to the queue that checks for their passport and tickets. Fifteen more people are ahead of them before they reach the checking area and Yuuichiro gave his last few reminders for his only daughter.
"Yumi, if there's any trouble, call us anytime. Make sure that you lock the doors at night and also before you leave the house. Always bring your debit card with you; I've put money in there so in case you needed anything, do not hesitate to take money out of it. Take care of yourself, Yumi. I'm going to miss my beautiful daughter."
After saying a few more what-not's and to-do's and a month's worth of hugs and kisses- Yuuichiro, Miki together with the youngest member of the family finally reached the end of the line and gave their boarding tickets to the handsome young attendant and with one final glance to Yumi, they all waved her goodbye.
"Don't worry Miki-kasan, I'll look after my wife Yumi!" Shizuma exclaimed with a playful smirk shown on her gorgeous face before the family passed the door leading to the plane. Several people who heard the young woman looked at her with surprise and some chuckled silently at her candid humor.
After sending off her parents and little brother, Yumi and Shizuma decided to go home for it was getting late. Although there are only few days left before that summer break, Yumi is not the type of student who would slack off. And with the additional work for the Yamayurikai, she needed to come to school early.
"Have I told you that I love Tokyo this time of the night?" Shizuma asked and took a quick side glance at her passenger and returned her gaze on the road. Besides, she's riding with the person she cares the most and her conscience would not be able to take it if something horrible happens to the young girl she's with just because she's not being serious behind the wheels.
"Tokyo is always busy, all the bustle and hustle of the city, it's like it never sleeps. But at a time like this, it seems like everything has mellowed down, finally it is just the darkness and the little neon lights." The older woman explained to little brunette.
"I like it when the city looks like this too. It reminds me of our little wedding." Both girls giggled which developed into an uncontrollable fit. "Oh yeah! It looked something like this. Hahaha! That was ages ago but I still remember it." Shizuma answered back and gave the young girl a warm smile.
"Ne, Yu-chin I'll be staying at my house for awhile. I don't want to go back at Hanazono estate yet; it's too lonely there and since you are all alone in your house, would you like to stay with me for awhile?" the older woman asked Yumi. It has been awhile since she called the younger girl that way, and it was the nickname she gave when they were kids. Normally she would only call Yumi that when she wants something or if she was being serious and the brown-haired girl could not refuse her. Besides, they haven't seen each other in awhile and it would be a good opportunity for them to catch up on each other.
"I'd love to Shi-chan! But would you be okay with that? I mean I won't be imposing on you? You live there by yourself." Realizing what she said, Yumi colored slightly and her cheeks feel a little warm.
"No, I would love for you to be there with me. You're my wife after all." Shizuma playfully winked at Yumi eliciting a deep blush from the young girl. The car stopped in front of a two-storey house but it still looked like a mansion in Yumi's eyes, her mocha colored orbs widened in awe and somehow the house looked familiar to her even though this is the first time she'd set her foot on this property.
Shizuma got out of the car and crossed to the other side to open the door for her dear passenger.
"Thank you, Shi-chan" Yumi uttered and stepped out of the car. Both girls walked to the door step and the older girl pulled out a card that looked like a credit card and swiped it on the machine and immediately Shizuma typed in the pass code. In just a few seconds, Yumi heard a long beep followed by the sound of bolts turning.
"WOW! Your house is so cool! I only get to see this on movies and on super expensive hotels!" Yumi squeaked with delight.
After a few hours of talking and catching up, Yumi stifled a yawn. It was pretty late already and the two women did not notice how late it has become. Both are excited to know about the things that had happened with each other's lives but it seemed that a few hours will not be enough for that, and as much as Yumi wanted to continue their conversation her own body was betraying her telling that it was time to go to bed.
It took them just a few minutes to get ready for bed, and although Yumi did not bring any change of clothes, Shizuma's closet is loaded with clothes. What's even more surprising is that Yumi has her own room in the house and her closet and drawers are full of garments as well. Good thing that the younger girl could fit on the clothes perfectly, quite surprising since they have not seen each other in a long while.
Yumi lay down on her bed, so many things had happened today and she was pretty sure that she has a lot of explaining to do. She is so sure that the moment she steps into Lillian tomorrow, she'll be bombarded with questions by her bestfriend Yoshino. She would not worry about Shimako, she is not the type of person who would pry on other people's business, and she waits patiently for others to tell her what is bothering them.
Unable to succumb to the powers of Morpheus, Yumi tossed and turned around the bed and when she could not take it anymore, she got off the bed and advanced towards the door. Just as she was about to step off the room, she returned to her bed and grabbed her pillow and went to the adjacent room. Yumi gently knocked on the door and waited for a few seconds before opening the door.
There she saw one of the most beautiful women she had laid her eyes on. As silvery hair sprawled around the bed in a messy array, the woman lay peacefully on the bed; her eyes that capsulate emerald orbs that are full of depth which gives off a sense of tranquility opened lightly when the woman heard the turning of the knob.
"Yumi?"
"Shi-chan, I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. B-but can I… sleep here with you?" Yumi asked shyly while hugging her favorite pillow which she used to hide her face that tinted slightly of pink.
"Of course, Yumi. Come here." The older woman answered back while patting the space next to her.
Yumi walked towards the other woman and robustly jumped on the bed creating a wave-like sensation making both girls giggle in delight. Shizuma scooped the brunette's waist and gently pulled Yumi closer to her body.
"Shi-chan, uhm I've been thinking about what happened today. What should I tell people about u-us?" the young girl asked hesitantly.
The older of the two was silent and after awhile, she looked at Yumi with all seriousness in her face.
"Tell them the truth."
Having heard what the other girl said, Yumi slightly gasped and looked at her companion with owlish eyes. "Is it really okay with you? You mean I'll tell them that you are really my -"
Before Yumi could complete her sentence, Shizuma interjected, "Yu-chin, are you not my wife?"
"I am Shi-chan's wife." The girl answered quickly.
"Am I not your wife?" Shizuma asked.
"Yes, you are." Yumi confirmed.
"Then that's all you need to say. You need not explain everything to anyone. Your personal life should not concern other people unless you wish to share it." The older girl looked at Yumi and smiled sweetly. "But I believe that it would be better for us to keep things to ourselves first, if it is really necessary for us to explain then I would be the one to do that. Since I am older, it is my responsibility to protect my wife." Shizuma explained.
"Can I tell Sachiko-sama then? She's my onee-sama after all." Yumi questioned the older girl.
"I'd rather you not tell Ogasawara yet. I would do that in time, just don't tell her yet. Can you promise me that Yu-chin?" Shizuma requested, her voice suddenly became harsh when the younger girl mentioned her grand soeur's name.
Yumi could not understand why the older girl acts antagonistically towards her dear onee-sama. She cares for both women and it would be unfortunate if all they would do whenever they are around is to bicker at each other.
'I would have to talk to Shi-chan about this, I feel a bit queasy about this. It seemed there's something going on that I do not know'. Sighing deeply, Yumi continued with her thought, 'It was their first time to meet each other today and yet, they oppose each other like vampire and werewolf.'
Realizing how closely she hit the spot, the young brunette sniggered uncontrollably and this did not go unnoticed by the woman lying beside her. Yumi pictured her Onee-sama as the cold and mysterious vampire- those hypnotic sapphire eyes the draws the young girl in whenever she looks at them and drowns her to near oblivion. Shizuma for her is that of a wolf—gentle yet she could be aggressive at times, and when she stares at the silver-haired face, she can't help but be entranced by its supremacy but still evokes tranquility.
"What's so funny?" Shizuma turned to her side so she could face the young girl and propped herself up and rested her head on her left palm.
"Uhh.. Nothing Shi-chan!" the little girl denied and stifled a yawn. "Good night, Shi-chan."
"Good night, my wife." Shizuma moved closer and gave Yumi a lingering kiss on both cheeks.
'You are very dear to me Yumi, I'm going to protect you from anything, especially from HER.' With that as her last thought, the older woman finally drifted off to sleep while clinging to the brown-haired girl protectively.
A/N: There you have it, let me know what you think. Reviews and comments are very much welcome.