Note: The reason for my incredibly fast update: I couldn't sleep and was in the mood to write, so I managed to finish the next chapter in a record time. It's quite late and I'm really tired now, so I probably won't do this again, lol. Anyway, here's chapter IV. Have fun!
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Disclaimer: I do not own Maria sama ga miteru.
Chapter IV
"Onee-sama, don't you think this hotel is adorable?" Yumi asked. She and Sachiko were standing in the doorway of their hotel room. "Yes, it's very nice," Sachiko answered, but she wasn't really paying attention to what she was saying. Her mind was more interested in the big bed in the middle of the room. Before they went on this journey, Sachiko had mentally noted to herself that the room probably only had one bed, but it still came as a shock to her when she realized she and Yumi would be sleeping in the same bed. Oh my, I really have to compose myself, the dark-haired beauty thought. Unconsciously however, she was licking her lips.
"So this is your room?" Yoshino said. She and Rei were standing behind the two others. The girl smiled when she noticed the big bed.
Let's see if you're safe tonight, Yumi. Sachiko-sama always seems so calm, but you know what they say: the calm ones are always the animals in bed.
"Our room is across the hall, and Shimako and Noriko-chan's room are next to yours. So it's really easy if we want to play some games during the night," Rei said. "But let's leave the rooms as they are now, and search for a restaurant. I sure would like to eat some Kobe beef."
--
Noriko was holding a small folder in her hand. While the others were in line to order some food, she and Shimako were guarding their table. "Did you know there is an onsen at the hotel?" she said to her lover. "Kobe is pretty famous for its hot springs, so almost every hotel in the district has one." Noriko crept closer to the beauty sitting next to her, and whispered in her ear: "We should go visit it tonight. Just you and me." At hearing these words, Shimako's face turned red but she nodded with a "I'm looking forward to tonight, then".
--
"Ah, that was a really nice meal," Rei sighed contently. "Where are we going now?"
Because they had taken an early train, they had arrived at the hotel some time before 12 o'clock. They had finished their lunch now and still had the entire afternoon to sightsee Kobe. "I thought we had agreed on visiting the Ikuta Shrine first?" Sachiko asked. "Yes, but it seems to be closed this week," Yoshino said. "I asked the receptionist at the hotel, and she said they were working at the Shrine to repair something that had broken off."
Not really, but I can't have all of us stay together for the whole day. I need to give Yumi and Sachiko-sama some quality time alone. But I have to be subtle about it, or Sachiko-sama will notice it. Yumi won't, she's too dense.
"My, that's too bad. What shall we do now then?"
Now it's your turn, Shimako.
Yoshino had succeeded in working out her plan and sharing it with the rest on a secret meeting, naturally without Yumi and Sachiko being present. She had come to the conclusion that she couldn't do it alone, and even if she did manage to act on her own, she was convinced that Sachiko would've noticed that something was going on.
"Noriko and I wanted to visit some Buddha-temples in the neighbourhood. I know we originally decided to visit the Shrine today and then explore downtown, but since we can't do the first part of our plan, why not take this opportunity to see some interesting Buddha statues? Ah, but of course you don't have to come with us if you don't want to. We really don't mind if you want to visit something else."
Excellent. Sachiko-sama will never suspect Shimako to be plotting something.
"That's really something the two of you would do," Yumi said with a smile. "I guess we don't have to stick together the whole day."
Hey, wasn't I supposed to say that?
"But it would be nice if we explored the city together later on, wouldn't it?" Yumi continued. "So what do you want to do, Yoshino-san?"
Oh whatever, you've only made it easier for me, Yumi.
"Well, I really wanted to visit Mount Maya," the girl answered. "I want to take the walking route to the top, I bet it's awesome! I convinced Rei-chan to come with me of course," she added with a sly grin. Rei nodded with an apologetic look. "But perhaps it's not a really good idea for Sachiko to join us," Rei observed.
Go, go, Rei!
The tall girl turned to Sachiko. "It's pretty warm for a fall day, and I heard it's even warmer at the mountain. Perhaps the heat would make you feel dizzy."
"You're right, Rei-sama!" Yumi cried out. "Onee-sama, you might faint and fall of the mountain!"
I expected a reaction from Yumi like this, but honestly, fall of the mountain?
"Yumi, you don't have to be so hyper about it. Of course I won't fall of the mountain." Sachiko sounded rather amused. "But Rei is right, the heat would do me no good. I guess I'll just go and visit the Kobe Port tower. I heard the view from up there is fabulous. And at least I won't have to walk to the top." Yumi smiled and said: "Onee-sama, I'll come with you, I want to stay with you."
Perfect.
A light blush was seen on Sachiko's face but she quickly composed herself and said: "I guess it's settled then. Shall we decide a time now for us to meet again? That way, we can still visit downtown together." After they had agreed on an hour the couples went to their respective destinations.
I hope you'll enjoy this private moment with Sachiko-sama, Yumi. I don't really expect something to happen this soon on our trip, but every minute you spend alone with your onee-sama is an extra minute to realize what she feels for you. And what you feel for her.
--
"Mmmmmm, Noriko, not here, we're in front of the temple," Shimako panted as the other girl was furiously attacking her neck with hungry kisses. "But I've been wanting to do this all day and now we're finally alone," Noriko whispered in a low voice in between her kisses.
Actually, they were far from alone, since they were still in a public place with people walking everywhere, but no-one saw them, as the two were not really standing in front of the entrance; they were more standing behind a tree near it. Shimako managed to make Noriko stop by giving her a kiss, but it didn't actually have the desired effect. The two were clearly enjoying the feeling of their tongues battling for dominance; it was no surprise then that it took a great deal of Shimako's willpower to pull away. She was breathing rather heavily but said: "Not here and not now, but tonight." Her eyes were glistering and full of desire. Noriko was so much looking forward to the evening.
After they had tidened themselves up (during their tongue's battle their hands seemed to have been everywhere) they went to see the Buddha statue. It was a rather big thing, sitting in the middle of a giant hall. Candles were burning everywhere and it was pretty warm in the room. "It's beautiful," Noriko said quietly. She grasped Shimako's hand and smiled at her. "Do you think Rosa Chinensis and Yumi-sama are enjoying themselves the way we are?" she asked the blond girl. "I'm sure they are," Shimako answered. "Even though they are not a couple yet, they do love each other. I think being near one another is enough for them to be happy. You can compare them to us. Only we," she squeezed the younger girl's hand, "know what we feel for each other." Silence fell between them as the two kept staring at the giant Buddha.
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Sachiko's POV
Sachiko and Yumi had taken the bus to the Port tower. They were now standing in front of the high building, hypnotized by it's height. "Will it be okay, onee-sama?" Yumi asked worriedly. She knew Sachiko was a bit afraid of great heights.
Oh my, it's a bit higher than I had imagined. But I can't ruin this, I'm finally alone with Yumi.
"Don't worry about me, Yumi. It'll be alright. I want to go to the top and enjoy the view with you."
Why do I always manage to say such embarrassing things? The only effect they have is me wanting to kiss Yumi even more, because she is so cute every time she blushes.
And indeed, Yumi was blushing yet again. "Ye.. Yes, onee-sama, let's go to the top together." They went inside and paid for an entrance ticket. They went into the elevator and because of some weird twist of fate found themselves alone in it.
Wait, wasn't it pretty busy back there? Why on earth is it then that we're alone in this elevator? I'm alone with Yumi in a small, enclosed space? Oh dear, I can feel my heart pound fiercely. Ah Yumi, how I want to grab you and kiss you senseless…
Whilst Sachiko was in struggle with herself and seemed to have only attention for her thoughts, looking quite stern in the process, Yumi was staring at her with a troubled look on her face. It was no more than normal, seeing as the girl couldn't possibly know what her onee-sama was thinking, therefore having the idea that Sachiko was not enjoying herself – or even worse, was mad for some reason.
"Onee-sama?" came her tentative voice. Sachiko looked up surprised and turned her head to face Yumi. "I'm sorry, Yumi. What is it?" she said with a slightly trembling voice.
Oh no, has Yumi noticed something? Did I do something inappropriate?
"You were looking quite grim just moments ago. Is something the matter?"
No not really, besides the fact that I bet you look fa-bu-lous without your clothes on.
"Ah, I'm sorry Yumi. I was just thinking about something. I hadn't even noticed that I was looking so gloomy. Don't worry, I'm really enjoying myself now."
"I'm so glad, onee-sama!" Yumi sighed, looking relieved. She really didn't want Sachiko to be feeling unhappy. "Oh look, the elevator stopped!" she said. The doors of the elevator opened and revealed a bright round room; light was pouring into it from everywhere, because the walls only existed out of windows. Yumi grabbed Sachiko's hand and dragged her to a window. "Look, onee-sama," Yumi said excited. "You can see so much from here! What a beautiful view!" Sachiko was really enjoying the feeling of her petite soeur's hand in her own, but managed to say: "Yes, the view is really breathtaking."
But not as breathtaking as you.
They enjoyed the view and the company of the other as long as possible.
--
Yoshino's POV
"You're la-ate, Yumi-san!" Yoshino pointed out accusingly, but inwardly she was smiling.
Is there perhaps a reason for you to be late?
"Yes, I'm sorry," Yumi said, excusing herself. "But the bus was a little late, and it was really busy, so it had to stop at nearly every bus stop."
Thanks for smashing my hope into little pieces, Yumi. Hmm, you don't look any different, so I guess nothing did happen. Don't worry, there's still tonight to get things to evolve some more…
"It's no problem," Shimako said. "We still have plenty of time to stroll around the city. Did you enjoy yourselves at the tower?"
"Oh yes, the view was really stunning!" Yumi exclaimed. "You could see buildings from miles away! Onee-sama wasn't even afraid of the height!"
"Well, perhaps I was a little bit uneasy at the beginning," Sachiko said. "But I forgot all of it when I saw the landscape beneath us. It was really marvelous." Her beaming face proved it.
My, you look rather happy. Is it because of the beautiful view, or is it because you enjoyed being with Yumi alone?
"Did you enjoy yourselves, Rei?" Sachiko asked.
"Of course," the girl answered. "It was rather exhausting, though. At the top, we were so tired at first that we didn't notice the landscape beneath us. But it was really beautiful! Afterwards, we just took the cable car back to the bottom, seeing as Yoshino's," she poked the younger girl, "feet hurt."
"Rei-chan!"
Yumi giggled and turned to Noriko and Shimako. "So, did you have a good time?" she asked. The two faced each other, blushes creeping to their faces; Yumi was watching them curiously. They quickly composed themselves and Noriko answered: "Yes, they have some really nice statues in Kobe. Maybe we'll come back some other day to watch them again."
"That's great, Noriko-chan!" Yumi was really happy because they had enjoyed themselves so much. "Let's go now, shall we?" Sachiko said. "If else we don't have much time to tour the city before it gets dark."
--
"Honestly, Yoshino, I'm quite certain that this won't work. Sachiko is very prude when it comes to matters regarding her own body."
"Come on, Rei-chan, you haven't even asked her yet! Besides, you're her friend, and it's not like there's a hot springs everywhere. I bet she wants to visit it as badly as I want her to visit it!"
It was already 9 o'clock in the evening. After they had toured the city a bit, eaten and toured some more, the six girls had gone back to the hotel. Now Yoshino and Rei were in their room having a small argument about Yoshino's plan. The girl wanted her cousin to bring Sachiko with her to the hot springs, but Rei was really not looking forward to that. She was pretty sure the Rose would decline her offer; knowing her for quite some time already, she had noticed that Sachiko did not like to bathe in public places.
"Look, the hot springs of this hotel is free to visit for every hotel guest, so I don't think Sachiko and I will be the only ones in there," Rei noted. "I know that, but as the brochure clearly said, every hotel room can make a reservation for the hot springs once during their stay," Yoshino countered. "So I made a reservation for tonight, so you won't have any trouble from the other guests!" The young girl was looking at her cousin with such a determined look, that Rei really couldn't do anything. She knew Yoshino, and she knew the girl would persist in every possible way.
"Alright then," Rei sighed. "I'll go and ask Sachiko, but you can't be mad if she doesn't want to come!"
"Ah, but she will come with you," Yoshino said, feeling quite sure of herself. "Okay, wait here. First I have to get Yumi out of her room, and when I give the sign you can go and take Sachiko-sama to the hot springs. After all, Yumi can't know where her onee-sama is going." Yoshino was looking disturbingly excited now: her eyes were shining and her smile was bigger and more evil than Rei had ever seen. She quickly kissed her cousin and dashed out of the room.
--
"You need to show me something?" Yumi asked curiously. "What then?"
"You'll know when you see it, now come on!" Yoshino urged.
"But what about onee-sama?"
"I'll ask Rei-chan to keep her company, is that okay then?"
"Eh… Why can't she just come with us?"
"Because I want to show it to you, Yumi-san!"
Geez, stop worrying about Sachiko-sama already, Yumi. It's very cute and all that, but right now, I need you to cooperate with me!
"Oh, okay then. First let me tell onee-sama that I'm going away with you."
Yumi went inside her room and closed the door; Yoshino took the opportunity to give Rei the sign: she knocked on the door of her hotel room 5 times. At that moment, Shimako and Noriko stepped out of their room, holding towels.
"Shimako-san," Yoshino said. "Where are you going, holding those towels?"
Shimako seemed to hesitate to answer, but then replied: "Noriko and I wanted to visit the hot springs. I would be a shame if we didn't visit it, because you don't have those everywhere and-"
"No, you can't!" Yoshino interrupted loudly. Shimako and Noriko looked at each other with raised eyebrows before Noriko said: "Why not, Yoshino-sama? It is a public bath, you can come too if you want to."
Yeah right, like you want me to come along and disturb the fun you could have if you were alone.
"It's not that," Yoshino whispered with a conspiring voice. "I made a reservation for this evening for the hot springs. So Sachiko-sama and Yumi can be alone in there." She practically mouthed the last sentence.
"But you haven't mentioned any of that in your plan," Shimako remarked.
"I know, but that's because initially the hot springs were already reserved for this evening," Yoshino explained. "But at the last minute the guests who made the reservation called it off, so the receptionist told me I could have the hot springs for tonight. Ah, Yumi-san!" The brown-haired girl stepped out of her room. Yoshino quickly grabbed her arm, as she did not want to give the other two girls time to protest. "Okay, Yumi-san, let's go! Noriko-chan, Shimako-san, good day and I know you'll find another way to have fun this evening." She winked and walked away, dragging a perplexed Yumi with her.
"Ah… That's really too bad," Noriko pouted, looking very disappointed. "I understand that Yoshino-sama wants Yumi-sama's relationship with Rosa Chinensis to develop further, and I really want that too… But I was so looking forward to go to the hot springs with you, Shimako…"
Shimako stared at the younger girl with an unreadable look, then leaned closer until her lips were next to Noriko's ear and whispered: "It's okay, Noriko. I think we can find … other … activities for us to do this evening." She then walked slowly back to her room, leaving a flustered Noriko behind to stare at her. At the door, the Rose turned around and said: "Are you coming?" She did not have to ask it twice.
--
"Going to the hot springs? I was actually planning on reading a bit before Yumi comes back."
"Sachiko," Rei said, looking very serious. "You can read anywhere any time you want. I don't think you can visit a hot springs anywhere any time you want. Really, this is a great opportunity! Plus, we'll be alone, don't worry. I know you don't like to bathe in public, so we reserved the hot springs for our room so the other hotel guests aren't allowed in it."
Sachiko looked doubtful; she really did not like public baths, even if there was no-one in them. And what if Yumi came back, and she wasn't here? Wouldn't the poor girl feel like she was left behind? Then again, she was away with Yoshino… And it was indeed a nice chance for her to soak in a hot springs. It was better to go now, before Yumi came back and was invited to come to the hot springs too. Sachiko really did not want to see Yumi naked, because if she did…
"Sachiko…" Rei said with a singsong voice, waving a towel in front of her face.
"Please, would you stop doing that." Sachiko was watching her fellow Rose with a look that could easily destroy a country.
"Hmmm, only if you come with me," the other girl replied, ignoring Sachiko's expression and still waving the towel. Sachiko sighed but then said: "Wait a minute, okay? Let me get my towel." I guess it can't do me harm, can it? The girl couldn't be more wrong.
--
"Honestly, Yoshino-san, it was very nice of you to show me those dolls in the souvenir shop, but I really thought it was a matter of life and death when you asked me to come with you!"
"I just thought they would make a great gift for your parents, you know, as a souvenir," Yoshino said, faking a hurt voice.
To be honest, I really like those dolls. I'll probably buy them myself. But that's not the real reason why I brought you with me, Yumi.
"But if you don't appreciate…" "No, of course I do!" Yumi gasped. "It was very sweet of you to show me those dolls, they are very beautiful! I think I'll buy one for my mother when the trip is over." The two girls were standing in front of Yumi's room. "Onee-sama?" Yumi asked when she opened the door. The room was dark. "She's probably away with Rei-chan," Yoshino explained when the other girl began to panick slightly.
Good, they're gone. Part 1 of the hot springs-plan succeeded.
"Why don't we do something else together? I heard there's a hot springs in this hotel, why don't we visit it now?"
"Hot springs? Oh really?" Yumi said, sounding very excited. "I've always wanted to visit a hot springs! Ah, but don't we have to bring the others too?" She was about to knock on Shimako's door, when Yoshino quickly said: "I think Shimako-san and Noriko-chan are quite busy now, so we'd better not disturb them."
I think they really, really don't want to be disturbed now.
"Eh? Okay, let's get our towels then."
--
"Oh no! Yumi-san, I forgot my favourit face cloth! I really can't take a bath without it, let me quickly go and get it now; you can go in without me already, I'll be back before you know it!" And with that Yoshino ran off, leaving a perplexed Yumi alone in the dressing room. Yoshino ran straight back to her room, opened the door and slammed it shut. To her immense relief she saw Rei sitting on the bed, obviously waiting for her. "So, how did it go?" Yoshino asked all worked up. "Everything went fine. Sachiko believed me when I said I quickly needed to get my own special shampoo. I hid her clothes in a closet and came straight back here. Sachiko should be all alone in the hot springs, now."
"But not for long," Yoshino added. She was thrilled that everything had worked out perfectly.
This is going excellent! Oh man, if Yumi doesn't feel anything now, she's probably not in love with Sachiko-sama. I mean, nothing is more arousing than seeing your onee-sama wet in a steamy bath!
"Let's go back in about 10 minutes," she said. "So we don't raise any suspicion. If we don't go back, they'll know we set it all up. For now, let's just hope something happens in the time those two are alone."
--
Yumi undressed herself and laid her clothes in one of the cabinets. She then took her towel, put it around her waist and opened the door to the hot springs. "Finally, Rei. I thought you'd never…" Sachiko was immediately silenced when she saw that the person coming in was not Rei, but her petite soeur!
"O… Onee-sama," Yumi stuttered, eyes wide in shock. Her onee-sama was standing next to the showers. She was wet and sweaty but above all, she was naked. Butt naked.
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A/N: About the Kobe trip: I just looked up some things you can see in Kobe, but the rest is all fiction. So don't shoot me if it seems unrealistic to you. --
I have been purposely neglecting Yumi's thoughts. That's because the next chapter will be entirely in Yumi's POV. (well, not exactly her POV, but you know what I mean) I hope you're looking forward to it, lol.
