Disclaimer: All rights to "Strawberry Panic" belong solely to its owner. I neither own this franchise nor do I profit from the writing of this story.

Author's Note: It's been a long time since I last updated. Real life coupled with some other projects of mine have delayed this project. I intend to see this story through. Many thanks to all those who have read and reviewed. Enjoy the next chapter.


The peeking sunlight coming from outside had woken Yaya from her stupor. She was not feeling up to going to her classes especially since that debacle with the Lulim president yesterday. There was a throbbing in her head and the only thing Yaya wanted to do was retreat back into the covers and go back to her dreamless state.

Looking over with tired eyes Yaya saw the bed next to her. It was empty.

It was times like this that Yaya wished that she could turn back the clock. The sight of Hikari sleeping was something that Yaya had always enjoyed waking to last year. The sounds of her soft snores, the way she looked so content and peaceful when sleeping. Thinking more lewdly Yaya could remember the times when she would awaken Hikari. Her natural scent unblemished from perfume or her hair awry and unkempt and yet still so beautiful on the person Yaya loved most. There were times that Yaya would simply stand there and take in the entirety of Hikari.

The thought of Hikari brought a pang of pain to her heart and Yaya shook her head fiercely.

She already made her decision. I cannot change it now no matter how much I try.

Looking at the clock Yaya realized that she didn't have much time before she had to go to her first class. She debated whether she should skip her first class so that she could take a shower and freshen up properly but then thought better of it. She didn't have good grades and she couldn't afford to miss her classes.

With an annoying sigh she took a brush from a drawer nearby and did her best to tame the tangles that were so prevalent in her hair. She winced in pain as she did so but, with a mighty effort, she managed to subdue them. Completing this task she made her way to the closet where she picked out her uniform. Hastily she put it on and soon made her way out of her dorm. The moment she opened it she saw the surprised face of her kouhai, Tsubomi.

"T-This isn't what it looks like. I didn't come here to check up on you or anything. It's just that I know you tend to get lazy so I made sure to come over here to wake you up before you got any ideas to skip class." said Tsubomi with a huff, her face blushed red in embarrassment.

For a moment Yaya giggled as all her worries were forgotten. While Tsubomi tended to be r insulting to her she knew that the pink haired kouhai meant nothing from it.

It was then that Yaya thought of the night before when Minamoto Chikaru attempted to choke the life out of her. It was Tsubomi that had seen to her even though the trip back had been silent. While Yaya was still upset over the events that had transpired she didn't forget what Tsubomi did for her.

For someone who seems to disrespect me Tsubomi always seems to want to be with me. I wonder why. Could it be that she looks up to me?

Nah that can't be it. Every word from her mouth is some sort of insult towards my character. Then what could it be?

As Yaya looked over to her kouhai she realized that the pink haired girl seemed to redden even further under her scrutiny. A light bulb went over Yaya's head as she came to an epiphany.

Why didn't I see this sooner?

Tsubomi, the girl who can never give me credit for anything, actually is crushing on me!

Well...I wonder if she has what it takes to be with yours truly.

With a devious smile Yaya went over to her kouhai and embraced her from behind. Already the older Spican grinned as she felt Tsubomi stiffen from the contact. Placing her mouth near her kouhai's ear she soon spoke.

"What you did for me last night was really touching you know. You didn't have to go so far." said Yaya sultrily.

"W-What are you talking about? You got yourself in trouble and I was only there to make sure that you didn't do anything else stupid!" replied Tsubomi in a near panic.

"Really? For someone who claims that she doesn't like me you seem to find any excuse to be around me. Now I wonder why? Could it be that perhaps you love me?"

Yaya said this as she inched even closer to Tsubomi. For the pre-teen her senses were going into overload. She could tell that Yaya had just awoken and not showered. She did not smell clean and yet her scent was not offensive to Tsubomi. If anything it held the opposite effect as she was bound. Yaya, in her disheveled state, was just as alluring as she was when tidied up. Even the smell of her morning breath, which bordered on vulgar, seemed to playfully tease the younger girl's nose and roused a primal feeling from the pit of her stomach. Tsubomi's face was reddening even further as the older student took delight in making the normally uptight kouhai uncomfortable.

"Well now that you are here I suppose you should look after me. Who knows I might just play hooky and not show up to class. Why not walk me there and make sure that I get to class on time?" asked Yaya sultrily once again.

Tsubomi could not take it. Her body was experiencing a mass of emotions that she had not experienced before.

"Do you honestly need me to walk you to class?" asked Tsubomi in embarrassment.

"Sure! I mean I am SO irresponsible that I can't control myself. Why not make sure that I'm doing the right thing?" asked Yaya once more as she neared her mouth to that of Tsubomi.

The younger girl had had enough as she used the last of her will power to dislodge herself from Yaya. She was trembling but not from fear. It was from something else entirely and Tsubomi was not sure what to make of these feelings that she was experiencing.

"You're acting weird today! Walk yourself to class. I don't care if you decide to skip or not!"

Yaya put on a pout as she heard this.

"And here I thought you were going to make sure that I was going to be a good girl."

"You're impossible Yaya-sempai!"

With that Tsubomi turned and swiftly walked away from her sempai. Even as she did she could not ignore the rapid beating of her heart. For a long while Tsubomi realized that she liked Yaya more than just a friend but never wanted to admit it to herself. Now, however, she had to use every last inch of her will power just to get out of that situation. Truth be told she was disturbed. Never had she felt so powerless. It was like Yaya was putting a spell on her.

She was slowly losing control of herself and the only thing she wanted to do was follow every word that Yaya said. The fact that the older Spican student held so much power over her was disturbing.

It's like she had become a different person since the Etoile election. Yaya-sempai what has happened to you?

With that the kohai soon left to join her friends. Even so her heart continued to beat wildly and it seemed that no matter what Yaya Nanto continued to haunt her every thought.


Suzumi Tamao didn't know what she wanted anymore.

She woke up feeling miserable and not up to class. However she plastered a smile on her face lest Nagisa start asking questions. The pink haired girl seemed to want to say something but soon refrained from it. Tamao was glad and didn't try to broach the subject. While she had gotten over Nagisa it didn't help that the girl was still in the same room as her.

All this did was remind her of her failure to win Nagisa's heart. There were nights when Tamao hated Nagisa. She wanted to make her hurt, to make her feel the pain that she was experiencing on a daily basis. To see your beloved so close and yet so far away. It was akin to ship wrecked men who were dying of thirst and yet saw the sight of water all around them and knew they couldn't drink it. Tamao beheld Nagisa and all she wanted to do was show her that she could make her happier than Shizuma ever could. All she asked for was a chance.

Nagisa had rebuked her in their conversation a few days ago. While the pain wasn't as intense as before it could not be denied that Tamao still cared deeply for Nagisa and held on to the slim hope that if Shizuma was stupid enough to break Nagisa's heart then she would be there to put the pieces together.

And this time I won't let go.

However as she thought of this her thoughts went back to Yaya. Her heart raced at the thought of the Spican student though Tamao wasn't sure why. It wasn't like she had harbored any serious feelings towards Yaya Nanto. She liked her as a friend and yet the thought of Yaya had been prevalent. Tamao could not lie to herself. She was really hurt when Yaya had spurned her after that debacle with Hikari and Amane. The blue haired poet did feel guilty about forcing Yaya to confront Hikari like that. She didn't think that their encounter would get so out of control.

Yet the sight of Hikari kissing Yaya so passionately had aroused an envy in Tamao that she didn't know existed.

Seeing that Nagisa was eying her in worry Tamao put on a smile.

"So my darling little roommate are you ready for class?"

Nagisa giggled to herself nervously.

"Well I guess. But I still am horrible at French."

"Don't you worry. I'll make sure that you don't fail in your endeavors!"

With that Tamao embraced Nagisa and held her close to her. While Nagisa belonged to Shizuma there could be no denying that it was she, Tamao, which spent the most time with her.

"T-Tamao-chan..."

"Listen Nagisa. Don't you ever worry about your school work. I'm here for you and I want you to succeed. Shizuma may not be here but I am. Never be afraid to count on me. Can you promise that if you ever have trouble that you come to me in your time of need?" asked Tamao sincerely.

Nagisa had been going through her own sense of troubles. While she loved Shizuma her absence was hard. Right now Shizuma was attending an All-Girls college. From the letters she had exchanged with her girlfriend Shizuma had expressed an interest in pursuing the Fine Arts. It was no surprise. Shizuma was a prodigy in piano and Nagisa wished her all the best of luck.

Unfortunately that meant that Shizuma was busier than ever. On top of the fact that she was majoring in music she was expected to meet her family's stern expectations. While they were not opposed to her union with Nagisa they made it clear time and time again that Shizuma be wedded to a man of equal stature when the time came. Such connections were not uncommon. After all Miyuki-san had been arranged to marry a rich man so that her family could reap the benefits of the union.

In some way Nagisa scoffed at the way the elite treated their children. They only thought of them as bargaining chips to further their own wealth and property. It did not matter that their children wanted to pursue a relationship that they were happy in. None of that mattered. Only that which gained them the most profit in the end.

The pink haired girl sighed.

She loved Shizuma very much and yet, at the same time, it was difficult to follow up on that love knowing that Shizuma would not always be hers forever. Nagisa was a pariah despite her popularity. She was only able to attend due to her superior grades. She didn't have great connections nor was her family affluent.

At times Nagisa felt wretched about the fact that she was causing Tamao so much pain. Like her Tamao had been able to attend Miator due to a scholarship. Her family, while devoutly Catholic, were not affluent and it was Tamao's academic prowess that earned her the right to attend this prestigious school.

So as she lay in the arms of her best friend Nagisa could feel conflict within her very soul. She loved Shizuma but hated the fact that she was causing Tamao so much pain every day. Since day one the blue haired poet had been there for her and yet, like an ingrate, she had chosen to throw her aside for an older woman. Not a day passed that Nagisa didn't feel guilty but she couldn't deny that she loved Shizuma.

"Tamao-chan I know that you'll never abandon me. But I wonder as to what your true intentions are. Do plan to help me out of the kindness in your heart or is there an ulterior motive? I find it difficult to believe that you would indulge yourself with my company when you know quite well your responsibilities as Miator's student president. Will you even have the time or will you forsake your duties to attend to me? Nothing will come out of this. Do you still cling to the fact that I will reciprocate your affections?" asked the pink haired girl seriously.

Tamao was surprised at the seriousness of the questions. Nagisa lately had been able to clearly express her point of view when, before, she would buckle under conflict. The blue haired poet wondered if her experience with Shizuma had anything to do with this change. Not that Tamao minded that Nagisa was a stronger person and could hold her own in a battle of wills. Tamao just wished that her pink haired roommate would not use her newly acquired abilities on her.

"I love you Nagisa. But I will never do anything to endanger your relationship with Shizuma. I understand that you love her. I won't deny you that. But keep in mind that I will never forget you."

"What about Yaya-chan, Tamao? I have seen you with her the past few days and I can't deny that Yaya-chan has looked so sad lately." replied Nagisa.

Tamao wasn't sure how to reply to this.

"Yaya is...Yaya. I'm not sure how to explain my friendship with her."

"She is crying out to you Tamao-chan. While I'm flattered that you think so highly of me you have to realize that there are those who need you more than even I do. What does it matter that I never learn French? Keep in mind that someone's wellbeing hangs in the balance here. You would abandon Yaya to pursue me even though I have given my heart to Shizuma?"

"Yaya has been in my thoughts lately and yet I'm so unsure how to approach her. Can I trust you with a secret Nagisa?"

"Sure Tamao-chan." said Nagisa softly.

At times Tamao wished that she could hold Nagisa like this forever. However she couldn't deny that her thoughts had strayed to Yaya lately. Was it pity? She wasn't sure.

"Yaya-chan has like Hikari for long time. Now that Hikari is now going out with Amane-sempai I fear for her. I can't deny that she has been in my thoughts lately but I forced her to do something very inhumane yesterday. I think she hates me. I don't know what to do. I love you Nagisa, but, at the same time, I want to be there for Yaya. Why is this so confusing?" asked Tamao sadly.

It wasn't often that Nagisa was called to do counseling. If anything it was her that needed help with these kind of affairs. However she couldn't forget the amount of times that Tamao had been there for her so she soon spoke what was in her mind.

"Yaya needs you Tamao-chan. I know that she may be head strong and not willing to accept help but you have to understand that when a person is in need of most help is when they deny it the most. Shizuma believed that staying apart from me would solve her problems. Does she truly love me? I don't know. What I do know is that she made the decision to make a commitment towards me and for that I'm happy. Would you accept Yaya if she were to bare her heart to you? Or would you still continue to wait for me even when I have made it clear that I love Shizuma?"

Tamao winced. She didn't expect Nagisa to chastise her like this. The blue haired poet was realizing that Nagisa wasn't as naive as she used to be.

Or perhaps she has known this entire time and just didn't want to create conflict.

"I don't know if I love Yaya. I feel sorry for her and the pain she is going through. A part of me relates to her and yet she is so different. I honestly cannot answer that question Nagisa. You tell me to answer you if Yaya were to ever come to me in need and yet it doesn't account for the fact that perhaps, one day, you may come to me. Then I'll be forced to make a choice which won't bode well for either of us. Would you rather that I chose Yaya over you? Or will you still try to cling to me like a pillow despite the fact that you have given your heart to another?" asked Tamao seriously.

It was then that Nagisa was stumped. She did not expect Tamao to come back like this and the blue haired poet did bring up a very good point. There was no refuting it.

"I-I'm not sure." replied Nagisa nervously.

It was then that Tamao turned Nagisa over to her. She saw that the girl's face was reddened. Was it embarrassment or did she secretly harbor affections for her? Tamao wasn't sure but that didn't mean that she couldn't test Nagisa.

With that she bent down and kissed Nagisa deeply on the lips. The pink haired girl's eyes widened in surprise as she tried to push off her best friend but Tamao refused. She pushed in deeper until Nagisa finally succumbed. Tamao continued to place her hands all over Nagisa. She felt her thin waist and her ribs. The scent of her shampoo, which was that of strawberry and yet blended perfectly with her natural scent. It was intoxicating.

The blue haired poet felt a harsh shove. She looked over to find that Nagisa was panting heavily her face reddened from their contact. Tamao too was out of breath. Her heart felt like it was going to burst from her chest.

"T-Tamao-chan. Why do you do this to me? I love Shizuma and yet-"

"You really don't understand don't you Nagisa? My love for you will never go away. I can't deny that I keep Yaya in my thoughts and yet I would abandon her if it meant that I could be with you."

Nagisa tried to dislodge herself from Tamao's grip and yet the blue haired poet refused to let go. She held Nagisa close and kissed her again as she drove her to the wall.

The taste of the pink haired girl's lips was exquisite. It was an ambrosia that was never meant for her to taste. Tamao wondered if what she felt towards Nagisa was anything more than lust. She hated herself as she forced her best friend in this position and yet she couldn't ignore her desires. She pressed deeply even further as she placed a hand on Nagisa's right breast and pressed it firmly.

"Stop...please."

"Why Nagisa? Why should I stop when you are enjoying this so much?"

"I'm with Shizuma and she is the one I love. So take your hands off of me!"

With that Nagisa pushed Tamao away from her with such force that she forced Tamao down to the bed nearby. Nagisa held a face of scornful disappointment.

"I don't love you Tamao. Why do you insist on clinging to me? Is it your life's mission to make me feel guilty about my choices? I can't help who I can love!" said Nagisa desperately.

Tamao couldn't help but get angry as she heard this and soon responded in kind.

"Really? I can't help but love you Nagisa! I'm tormented every night seeing you here and yet you continue to believe the lies of that she-devil." said Tamao harshly.

"She isn't a devil! You don't even know Shizuma and yet you find it appropriate to judge her character. Do you honestly hate her because I love her instead of you Tamao-chan?" asked Nagisa harshly.

"I could make you happier than her." spat Tamao harshly.

"How do you know that? You force yourself on me even though I told you that I don't love you. Why are you so bent on claiming me? Especially when there is someone else who needs you help?" asked Nagisa.

"Nobody can replace you Nagisa. You think I asked to fall in love with you like this? No! But it was love at first sight and I couldn't help but be fascinated with you. Do you hate me for loving you? Do you hate that I can never be as great and special as your precious Shizuma-sama!" screamed Tamao harshly.

Nagisa's eyes widened in surprise as she heard this. Tamao was such a precious friend to her and yet here they were arguing.

"No I don't Tamao-chan. But I can't help what I feel in my heart."

"Fuck your heart!"

Nagisa's eyes widened in shock. She had never heard Tamao curse so horribly toward her. It frightened her to see Tamao looking over at her with such anger.

"Do you honestly love me Tamao-chan or do you simply want to claim me, like a trophy?" asked Nagisa with glistening eyes.

Any anger Tamao felt towards Nagisa dissipated replaced with utter wretchedness. The sight of Nagisa near tears had nearly torn Tamao's heart asunder as she felt the guilt suddenly hit her with the force of a meteor.

W-What am I doing to her? D-Did I seriously make Nagisa cry?

"N-Nagisa...I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"No you aren't. Tamao-chan I'm not sure what has happened to you but you need to know one thing. I LOVE Shizuma. Nothing is going to change that. So please stop trying to change my mind. If you truly love me you will respect my wishes. "said Nagisa seriously.

There was never a time that Tamao could remember her best friend being this assertive. Then again it could be that Nagisa was aware all this time. It filled the poet with sadness to know that she had been underestimating her Nagisa this whole time.

"Very well. I understand that of which you have told me. Already you have made your intentions clear. I'm sorry Nagisa. Perhaps I have been misguided all this time." said Tamao sadly.

"I didn't mean to hurt you Tamao-chan but I have to set some boundaries already. Don't you think I don't enjoy it when you hold me? Of course I do but I can't do that to Shizuma. I love her and nothing will ever change that. Please don't make me out to be a monster Tamao. I know I have hurt you but it can't be denied that I love Shizuma. Ask yourself Tamao-chan. Is your pursuit to fulfill your own happiness worth my own misery?" asked Nagisa seriously.

"I never figured you to be the kind of person to guilt trip another." said Tamao sadly.

Nagisa sighed.

"Is that all you can make it out to be?"

"Well you keep telling me to go with Yaya despite loving you. Where is your Shizuma now?" asked Tamao harshly.

Nagisa normally would have afraid of confrontation but after a year of being in this school she learned that sometimes it was best to stand up for herself even if it meant hurting the feelings of others.

"Guilt trip? Sounds like something you're doing to me at this very moment. I didn't peg you for a hypocrite." replied Nagisa scornfully.

Tamao sighed.

In the deepest recesses of her heart she wished that Nagisa knew how it felt to be totally rebuked by the person they have given their love to. Her self-made promise to make Nagisa happy conflicted with her current desire to make Nagisa suffer the same pain she was going through.

"Damn it Nagisa. I can never win can I?" said Tamao solemnly as she soon left the room.

Nagisa was so sure that Tamao had come to terms with her with their talk a couple of days before and yet here she was still pining for her. Never had she been so confused.

Tamao-chan...I'm sorry.


The school day went by very quickly. Tamao was glad that there were no extra-curricular activities today. While she was glad that she had obtained the title of president it couldn't be denied that it was stressful. As a fifth year her work load had increased significantly and now she had to take her presidential duties into account as well.

Thankfully since there wasn't anything major being planned all Tamao had to do was look over a few documents and then sign them before she allowed herself to take the rest of the evening off. She didn't head straight away to her dorm room and instead made for the lake. The sun was beginning to set as the lingering rays of light danced across the rippling water. It looked beautiful.

The blue haired poet sighed as she sat down on the grass and started to ponder over her argument with Nagisa earlier that morning. Placing her fingers on her lips she couldn't believe that she had forced herself like that on her best friend. Somewhere in the back of her mind she remembered chastising Yaya about doing the same to Hikari. Tamao could only smile grimly. She must have sounded so uptight and pretentious and now, just a few days later, she committed the same act towards Nagisa.

A part of her blamed Nagisa but she shook her head at the thought. It wasn't fair to blame her pink haired roommate in all this. Love had no boundaries and it was unfortunate that neither she nor Nagisa were able to share in it. Feelings of guilt, anger and envy gnawed at her the entire day.

I thought I had finally freed myself from Nagisa but instead I ended up hurting her terribly. She must really hate me right now and I wouldn't blame her.

Yaya.

I wonder if you felt this same sort of desperate anger toward Hikari. That you would force yourself on her to make her realize the extent of your affections. I remember telling you so clearly that I could never hurt Nagisa like that and here I am sulking because I got selfish and tried to force Nagisa to me.

Does that make me a bad person?

As Tamao was lost in her thoughts she felt a pair of hands go over her eyes and felt someone's warm breath on her ear.

"Guess who?"

Tamao felt her breath hitch as she recognized the voice. At once she took her hand and clenched it tightly on the ones on her eyes.

"Yaya-san."

The raven haired girl raised an eyebrow at the mellow response. It took her the entire day to muster up the courage to find Tamao and talk to her and braced herself for a tongue lashing. Instead here was Tamao looking and sounding miserable. Wanting to lighten the mood Yaya decided to tease Tamao a bit.

"Here I was thinking you would be happy to see me." said Yaya with a playful pout.

Tamao could hear the playfulness in Yaya's voice and soon felt her spirits rising a bit.

"I must really look pathetic then if someone as depressive as you needs to cheer me up." grinned Tamao as she turned to find herself looking straight at Yaya's golden eyes.

"Who said I was cheering you up? I just saw you and thought to annoy was all."

"Well I'm glad you're here. I feel better whether you wanted it or not."

It wasn't often that Tamao was this bummed out and Yaya was instantly curious now. However that didn't mean that Yaya forgot her original purpose. With that she took Tamao's hands and held them to her own. A small blush came onto Tamao's face surprisingly enough. The sight made Yaya feel happy though she didn't know why.

"Honestly I was here to apologize for yesterday. I know that you only had the best intentions for me and while it backfired you were not to blame. I shouldn't have pushed you away like that. Not when you have been there for me." said Yaya softly.

Today seemed to be full of surprises. Tamao didn't know whether to be flattered or shocked that Yaya was actually apologizing to her. While she liked the raven haired girl it could not be denied that Yaya had a difficult time in accepting when she was in the wrong. Not that Yaya was wrong about being upset with her yesterday. Tamao genuinely felt that she was to blame for forcing Yaya to confront Hikari before she was ready to do so.

"If anything I should be apologizing Yaya. I butted into your business and had you confront Hikari out of the blue like that. I shouldn't have made you do that. To be honest I was afraid that I lost my friendship with you. We may have not been close prior to this year but I can't deny that I enjoy being in your friend."

Yaya felt her face suddenly flush. There was complete sincerity in Tamao's words. She too was afraid that due to their argument that they were no longer going to be friends. Yaya wasn't sure what her emotions were toward Tamao but she did enjoy spending time with her. It was bad enough that her friendship with Hikari was in shambles now and she was afraid that she had just shattered another friendship with someone who genuinely wanted to be with her.

It's like I can never hold on to those who I care about. In some way, shape or form I hurt them.

Story of my life I suppose.

The raven haired girl soon took Tamao and held her close to her bosom. Tamao didn't resist and instead let herself be taken in as she felt Yaya's daintily fingers glide through her hair.

"Look Tamao. I don't want you to think that I'm an ingrate. I appreciate everything you have done for me. Ever since losing Hikari I felt like my whole world was coming undone. She was my best friend and I was stupid enough to throw that away. I curse my selfishness. You were right. If I had truly loved Hikari I would never have hurt her the way I did. Now she is no longer part of my life and no matter how much I try I can't deny the obvious. I was at fault. You found me when I was at my lowest and despite my repeated attempts to rebuke you still you came to me. And instead of rejoicing at this blessing that has come to my life I hurt you. My only question is why? Why did you go so far to help me?" asked Yaya softly.

"I don't know Yaya. It's a question that I have often asked myself as well. A part of me keeps telling me that it was the right thing to do and yet that doesn't seem to be the right answer. Perhaps it is because I could see myself in you. We have both been spurned. Rejects in the name of love of whom we are of no worth. Seeing you in pain only reminded me of the pain I went through every day knowing that Nagisa will never be mind to cherish. And you know what? I apologize for all those terrible things I have accused you of. Accusing you of not loving Hikari, when, in reality, I ended up hurting Nagisa in the same manner that you have to Hikari."

Yaya's eyes widened when she heard this. Was it possible that the ever so kind-hearted Tamao had actually attempted to force herself on Nagisa? Such a thing was so improbable that it could be described as an oxymoron. Even so Yaya did not choose to be critical toward Tamao. She could hear it in the poet's voice the guilt and self-hatred she held for herself for hurting the person she loved most. It was the same pain that she herself had gone through.

"So now it has come full circle. Now you understand the desperation I felt when I realized that Hikari was never going to be mine. Don't misconstrue me. I'm not condoning our behaviors. We SHOULD feel like shit because what we did wasn't right. However I understand the pain you are going through right now. Knowing that the love of your life is close and yet so far away. That just by reaching your arm out she will be within your grasp and yet she is expressly forbidden. You have tasted the forbidden fruit and now you are suffering from the hang over. You cling to the memory, the feeling of her lips upon your own as you caress her body. Yet it is fleeting. Desperately you cling to the skirt of the fleeing muse but it is futile. Reality sets in and now you realize the consequences. As you have asked me this same question before now I will pose to you Tamao. Was that fleeting feeling worth the damage you have caused in your friendship with Nagisa?" asked Yaya seriously.

"No."

"Good. Now I won't tell you what to do because you already know what it is needed to be done to resolve this problem."

With that Yaya placed a hand on Tamao's cheek and smiled softly. With every passing moment the urge to kiss her was becoming harder to ignore. Those pale lips glistened and were begging her to kiss them. Yaya wondered if a part of Nagisa was still there. Truth be told she always thought that Nagisa was cute, dangerously so. Something about her seemed to mesmerize those near her into falling for her. The only reason why Yaya didn't fall in love with Nagisa was the fact that she was in love with Hikari. Even so that didn't mean that Yaya wasn't curious. She wouldn't deny Nagisa if the girl ever wished to be intimate with her that she was sure of.

However the most important thing was Tamao and Yaya knew that the blue haired poet was in delicate situation.

"You're still a good person Tamao. You made a mistake, we all do. Don't define yourself by this one mistake alone. Believe me."

"Yaya..."

There seemed to be a force that was drawing both of them closer together as their lips drew ever nearer. They were just inches from each other now. Both could feel the warm breath of the other hitting their face. Yaya was the first to make contact as she kissed Tamao hungrily. The blue haired poet felt her head being pulled back a bit as Yaya bit down on her lower lip gently before continuing down her neck. Tamao felt her breath hitching as she felt her breasts press against those of Yaya. Even through the cloth there was a spark of stimulation.

Tamao moaned softly as she felt Yaya's lips on the crook between her neck and clavicle. She felt Yaya's hand gently holding the back of her head while the other hand roamed about her body. She let out a quiet gasp as she felt Yaya's hand on her breast.

"I wonder Tamao. Do I make you feel as good as Nagisa did when you pushed yourself on her? Is this the feeling you're looking for? If so then perhaps you need not look to Nagisa any longer. I'm willing to fulfill this need of yours." offered Yaya.

"W-Wouldn't that make us girlfriends then?" asked Tamao.

"Perhaps. I don't know. Do you want us being together? I will stop if you truly want me to. But this feels right. I don't know if I love you Tamao but I can tell you that I feel fulfilled. Being with you brings me peace." said Yaya softly.

"I don't oppose it at all. It's just that, on a deep level, I feel like I'm betraying Nagisa and-"

It was then that Yaya's face scowled in anger as she grabbed Tamao by the shoulders sternly.

"Betraying Nagisa? She made her decision to be with Shizuma. I may have not been there the entire time when you were fighting for her affections but the little that I DID see told me that you were putting in WAY more effort than Shizuma ever did. Never feel that you're betraying her. That kind of mindset will only lead to misery. Once I might have felt terrible kissing another girl when I was still in love with Hikari. I still fucking love her! But I refuse to feel guilty about it any longer. Hikari made the decision to pursue her happiness in exchange for my misery. So be it. That said I should have the freedom to pursue whoever I want and the person I chose is YOU Tamao."

It seemed like Yaya was pulling Tamao's thoughts from her head. Each and every single insecurity that she was feeling at this moment Yaya understood. Tamao had been hiding her grief for so long because she didn't want to worry Nagisa or anybody else. It seemed like there was no one out there that could relate to her. All everybody could say was how ROMANTIC it was for Shizuma to come up and proclaim everlasting love for Nagisa. If only they knew just how much that white haired witch had hurt Nagisa they wouldn't be so starry eyed about her declaration.

Now here was someone who genuinely understood her, who knew exactly what she was going through.

Could I make a relationship with Yaya work? I don't know. A part of me is afraid and yet I can't deny that she understands what I'm going through.

I don't love her but I care about her.

I'm tired of waiting for happiness to come to me. Perhaps it's time that I should pursue it.

Tamao responded to Yaya by kissing her deeply on the lips once more. The blue haired poet couldn't deny that Yaya Nanto was beautiful and that kissing her had seemed to inflame an arousal in her so powerful that could hardly control herself. Her smell, the taste of her lips, and the sight of her eyes glazed over in passion. All of it was delightfully lewd. It overpowered the senses and all Tamao wanted to do was indulge herself even more. She loved Nagisa but the pink haired girl didn't stir such primal urges from her.

"I accept Yaya. I will gladly enter into a relationship with you." said Tamao as she pulled herself away from her new girlfriend.

The joy in Yaya's face was evident. Tamao was sure that she expressing that very same feeling.

"I'll do my best to make this work Tamao. Perhaps something more will come out of our relationship. I won't regret it if it does." said Yaya with a smile.

"I never doubted you Yaya. I look forward to what the future holds in store for us."

With that both girls kissed each other deeply once more not knowing that they were being watched.

From behind one of the trees there stood Nagisa with a look of shock on her face. She had gone looking for Tamao so that she could apologize to her about their argument. However she stopped herself cold when she saw Tamao speaking with Yaya. Their conversation turned serious and Nagisa was sure that they mentioned her name a few times. It was then that the shock hit her full force when she saw Yaya put her lips on Tamao. Nagisa experienced a whole flurry of emotions and yet there was one emotion that she felt the strongest of all.

And she didn't know why.

I-I guess I should be happy for Tamao-chan then. I DID tell her to be there for Yaya-san. This is what I wanted, right? Now I can continue with my relationship with Shizuma and not worry about hurting Tamao any longer.

And yet...

Why is it that the only thing my heart feels...is envy?


Author's Note: Well I finally decided to cut to the chase and get Tamao and Yaya together. However this isn't anywhere close to the end. Their relationship is only starting and you can bet that it's going to be tested in more than one way. Expect some unlikely antagonists and protagonists. And Chikaru. She'll be making a resurgence in the next chapter. What joy lol! Anyway let me know what you all think.