Maria Sama Ga Miteru
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The Water Resort Park
By Miracles79
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Chapter 3: Part 2
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Disclaimer:I do not own any of these characters they belong to the amazing Oyuki Konno who brought Maria Sama Ga Miteru into our lives.
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It was very late at the Ogasawara Mansion, well past the meeting time and Youko was beginning to get more and more agitated as she waited for her Petite Soeur. All the members of the Yamayurikai, past and present, were waiting in the spacious living room of the Mansion except two noticeable absences, Ogasawara Sachiko the host and her own Petite Soeur Fukazawa Yumi.
Unfortunately, Sachiko's mother, Sayako, wasn't present to welcome them and was instead visiting her own family outside of Tokyo while Sachiko's father was making another trip to visit his mistress. They were allowed inside the Mansion by Sachiko's personal carer who informed them that she was currently unaware of Sachiko's whereabouts but would look into the matter straight away.
The group were becoming increasingly anxious as the seconds turned into minutes and the minutes approached half an hour. Yet there was still no sign of Sachiko or Yumi anywhere. Sachiko's personal carer returned and attempted to cover for Sachiko's absence. "I'm afraid she is feeling a little under the weather…" she quickly realised her mistake when she saw Youko suddenly approach the door behind her looking worried.
"But she asks that you all wait here…she will be down momentarily I assure you" she corrected herself trying to hide a pleading tone from entering her voice. Youko removed her hand from the door knob and turned walking towards the group. When the carer left she faced them all and said rather worryingly "Something's wrong Sachiko-Chan wouldn't keep us waiting like this even if she was bedridden by sickness"
They all muttered there agreement as they continued to debate Sachiko's whereabouts. Some believed she was busy helping her family out with personal matters but many others believed that her absence had something to do with a certain Petite Soeur.
Yoshino suddenly changed the topic of the conversation. They had been so wrapped up about Sachiko that they hadn't even considered the reasons for Yumi's noticeable absence. It was often said that Yumi's mere presence brought life to a room and she was needed now more than ever to lift everyone's sombre expressions.
"Has anyone actually seen or heard from Yumi today?" Yoshino asked questioningly at the group. Although her question was actually directed towards the two who usually interacted with Yumi outside of school, besides herself of course.
She looked closely at the reactions of Sei-Sama and Touko-Chan who she hoped would offer any insight that the rest weren't aware of. Yoshino was very suspicious of the pair considering their close ties to her best friend. She had initially suspected that Yumi had arrived with one of them but was unsure of which.
Sei would have brought her here to tease and torment…
But it doesn't seem like she's with her…
While Touko would want to spend as much time as possible with her new Onee-Sama…
But Touko doesn't seem to know either…
I'll ask Sachiko when she comes down from her room.
Each member of the group voiced their concern for the lack of Yumi's presence as they thought up possible reasons for her absence. The top on the list was that her absence involved her legendary clumsiness that caused many an embarrassing scenes.
Touko however in an attempt to protect Yumi's image forcibly rejected this idea and told the room at large "Onee-Sama will be here any minute…she was probably just finishing some last minute packing".
Even Touko had to silently admit that this idea was slightly farfetched considering she was almost half an hour late but she didn't want to think of any other more dangerous possibilities for her Onee-Sama's absence.
Perhaps Yumi's been hurt?
Calm down Touko…you'd know if Onee-Sama was in trouble.
Or maybe she decided not to come after all?
No…but she said she would come.
Yumi promised me she would come…that mean's she will be here.
Touko strongly believed this personal statement and she had good reasons because ever since she had become Yumi's Petite Soeur she felt an intimacy with the girl that stretched beyond the sisterly bond they shared. She could often read Yumi's emotions extremely well and knew how to make her smile again no matter what problem she faced.
They had indeed grown closer that much was clear to all of the Yamayurikai members but they didn't properly understand the complex and affectionate bond each shared with the other. Touko loved Yumi deeply and when she was given not one but two chances to become a major part in Yumi's life she knew that she wanted to be by her side through thick and thin.
However, for that love to be unexpectedly returned by Yumi was knowledge she would treasure forever. Touko had spent much of the last couple of days alone with Yumi as they went shopping and visited each other regularly talking about each other's day and plans for future dates. In the end, just hearing her Onee-Sama's soothing voice was enough to lift up her spirits and calm her nagging doubts.
So you could understand why Touko was beginning to become agitated as she continued to walk around the living room ignoring the concerned gazes from her friends. Noriko could sense Touko's anxiety and with a quick look to her Onee-Sama, who nodded her approval at the silent request, Noriko moved towards Touko grabbed her by the hand and led her outside.
"Touko…what's wrong? You have looked nervous ever since you arrived here" Noriko said as she closed the door behind here and turned to face Touko. Touko tried to hold Noriko's gaze as a battle of wits commenced between the two. Noriko however stood her ground and continued to look Touko in the eye with a questioning expression.
Eventually Touko sighed, a loud exasperated sigh, and looked away from Noriko facing the front door to the Ogasawara Mansion. "I'm worried about her…about Onee-Sama" Touko admitted as she continued to look at the door praying that Yumi would arrive shortly and unharmed.
Noriko could see Touko's body tense and without thinking she embraced her in a tight hug, her arms wrapping around Touko's shoulders as she drew her in closer to her body. Touko was rather surprised by the warmth which engulfed her senses to the point that she had forgotten why she was so upset. Noriko whispered softly in her ear bringing Touko back to the matter at hand.
"Yumi will be fine…I promise you in any moment Yumi will step through that door and come straight back to you"
Touko started to blush at Noriko's last comment and couldn't help herself when she quickly replied "Why would Onee-Sama come to me before everyone else?"
Noriko began to mull this question over. She knew that at the wrong response Touko's armour would return making her impossible to reason with. Eventually Noriko came to a satisfactory response "Because while Yumi loves her friends…she will always love her family more…and to Yumi you're not just a sister by title…in her eyes she sees you as a sister by blood…that's why she will come to you first, mark my words".
Touko felt her eyes begin to well up. Noriko had an uncanny ability to break through all of Touko's defences and get her to open up little by little. They both considered each other best friends although they would never dare admit it to the others for fear of being ridiculed by the mere suggestion.
Touko removed Noriko's hands from her shoulders and led her back to the living room. Touko was feeling a lot calmer now but still the question ringing in her mind continued to force its way to her mind.
Where are you, Yumi?
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It was very late by the time Yumi and Sachiko arrived at the Ogasawara Mansion. In fact an hour late if you wanted to be precise. Sachiko was not only calm about this fact but also surprised by her lack of worry for her tardiness.
Sachiko had never been late to anything in her life before this moment. Whether it was official family business or obligations towards her many classes and meetings she had always arrived on time.
Yet Sachiko did not care about this fact. She reasoned to herself that it was because she had matured to a stage where it didn't matter whether she was a little late but Sachiko secretly knew the real reason why.
It was due to a young and very beautiful girl, who had just exited the door on the opposite side of hers, who began to wipe the corner of her eyes stifling a sleepy yawn.
Yumi looked up at the beautiful Mansion which stood proudly before her. She always considered this place to be her second home and welcomed any opportunity to visit it, as long as Sachiko invited her however. She started walking towards Sachiko whose eyes had not left her. Yumi began to smile nervously as she felt her Onee-Sama's sparkling blue eyes penetrate her very soul.
"We are so late" Yumi began to laugh at this obvious fact and was later joined by an equally giggling Sachiko. Sachiko always attempted to act the part of the Onee-Sama when it came to Yumi but often she would be too wrapped up in Yumi's world to even care of such things.
"Indeed we are Yumi…come on then, let's not keep them waiting" Sachiko took Yumi's hand and gently rubbed her finger against her palm trying to reassure the young girl that everything would be alright.
They entered the Mansion together and were greeted by Sachiko's personal carer who informed them of the situation in the living room. Sachiko thanked the carer for her discretion and was about to issue more commands when she felt Yumi's hand slip from hers.
Yumi was looking around while Sachiko talked to the carer. She didn't want to be a hindrance on the discussion so decided to remain silent and admire the hallway she was currently in. That's when she saw the living room door open and was welcomed by the sight of her own Petite Soeur smiling widely at her mere presence in the house.
Yumi without realising it removed her hand from Sachiko's and hurriedly walked towards Touko. She embraced her in a warm loving hug as Touko's body and mind went limp. Eventually Touko succumbed to her previous emotions and returned the embrace as she held Yumi tightly fearing she would let go at any moment.
Touko caught sight of Noriko who was continuing to smile at the affection shown between the two and silently mouthed to Touko 'I told you'. Touko simply smiled again and stuck her tongue out at her best friend who giggled in response.
Sachiko continued to watch Yumi and Touko as feelings of happiness and concealed jealousy began to ebb to the surface of her usually stern demeanour. However on this particular occasion her happiness overwhelmed the needless jealousy that she felt as she continued to watch the two. Sachiko began to walk towards the pair who still huddled in a tender embrace.
Yumi noticed Sachiko approaching and motioned for her to join the hug which Sachiko rather surprisingly agreed to as she hugged both tenderly before releasing them and entering the living room to face a rather stern and angry looking Youko.
"And what time do you call this?" Youko said attempting to sound annoyed at her late punctuality but she couldn't hide the worry from her voice which made Sachiko smile.
"I'm sorry Onee-Sama…I didn't mean to worry you" Sachiko calmly replied.
"Um…well…I was only a bit worried but you're here now and that's all that matters" Youko cupped her Petite Soeur's cheek and smiled at her. Sachiko smiled back at her precious Onee-Sama who would have moved heaven and earth to make sure she was safe.
"This is all lovely and cuddly…" Sei said looking at the two with a mischievous smirk on her face "but that doesn't explain why you were so late or why Yumi was with you for that matter?" Sei finished with a look at Yumi who was now walking into the room with Touko resting her head on her shoulder.
"Yumi informed me of an issue which had to be taken care of quickly…so I came to collect her and purchased the necessary items for her…we would have been home sooner but there was traffic" Sachiko finished with a straight face.
The best lies are often wrapped in the truth
"What did you purchase for my dear Yumi then?" Sei said looking at Yumi and the apparent lack of bags which one usually carried when they obtained shopping.
Sachiko quickly caught onto what Sei was implying and responded. "We bought our swimsuits together…considering that this trip involves water I thought it would be best to wear appropriate clothing…the suits are still in the car"
Sei raised an eyebrow at Sachiko's response "I don't know about that Sachiko-Chan I heard skinny dipping can be very fun" Youko almost froze when she heard Sei's response and was about to act when Sachiko cut her off.
"I will ask you once again to stop bothering my Petite Soeur…this matter is over…I don't want to hear anymore" Sachiko slashed at the air motioning for the matter to be dropped. Sei nodded and allowed Sachiko to have a moment of respite before she continued her teasing at a later time.
Yumi and Sachiko greeted each of their friends individually and apologized for the lateness of their arrival. They both blamed travel problems even though in truth there had been no traffic. The pair had been thinking up excuses for their absence on the drive towards the Ogasawara Mansion rather than embarrassingly admit that they had so much fun together that they simply lost track of time.
"Why does Yumi get special treatment…why couldn't I be picked up by a princess such as Sachiko-Chan" Sei pouted childishly which got a laugh from everyone except 4 annoyed figures who all belonged to the same rose family. Youko, Touko, Sachiko and Yumi looked annoyed at Sei's childish behaviour but let her off considering they had to leave immediately.
They all walked together towards the front of the mansion where 3 cars were parked waiting for their arrival. Sachiko informed each member which car they would be sitting in.
It was decided that Shimako, Noriko and Sei-Sama would sit in the first car which they all agreed on but not before Sei dramatically held her chest acting as if she was in pain before mockingly reaching out to Yumi as if she was at a great distance. Yumi began to blush as Sei's dramatic act of loss received a round of laughter from her friends. In truth Yumi couldn't resist the hilarious scene and eventually joined everyone else in laughter even if it was at her expense.
Sachiko attempted to ignore this fact as Shimako, Noriko and Sei-Sama all left together. Sei put her arm around the two as she led them to the parked car. Sachiko watched them leave and then returned to the pressing matter at hand, as the host she needed to show more control over her emotions and issue her instructions.
In the second car she placed Rei, Yoshino, Eriko, Kanako-Chan, who was invited due to her tireless work for the Yamayurikai when she was not officially obliged to do so, and a rather nervous Nana-Chan who had been personally invited by the entire group. Very little was known of Nana-Chan and they wanted to welcome her to her new family as quickly as possible. So that she could integrate into both Lillian High as well as the student council quickly and effortlessly.
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Nana-Chan was a very sweet girl but someone who was very mature for her age. Eriko instantly took a liking to the girl and openly praised Yoshino's choice in her Petite Soeur to which both blushed. While Nana-Chan was happy to attend this event, after having to almost beg her family for permission, she couldn't help but to feel nervous.
She wanted to make a good impression on the group and mainly Yoshino who she looked up to and admired but couldn't help feeling apprehensive in the company of Yoshino's best friend Yumi. Yumi was the talk of Lillian whether it was Lillian High or the middle school.
Nana-Chan had heard a lot about Yumi from friends and even Yoshino who warmly welcomed that particular topic of conversation. To her knowledge Yumi was a kind, thoughtful, caring and beautiful woman who had become the princess of all of Lillian a position which had previously been held by Sachiko.
While Nana-Chan had heard about this she often doubted that Yumi could be so angelic and kind but in the little time she had spent with her she couldn't help but admire Yumi more and more. However she respected and admired Yumi as a close and reliable friend rather than having any romantic feelings towards her.
Although she silently wondered about many of her other friends who seemed fixated on Yumi's every movement especially a girl she had met most recently. Nana-Chan thought back to her rather frightful conversation with a Lillian High student who went by the name of…
What was her name again?
If I remember she dropped by completely unannounced at my middle school…
She was a 2nd year I believe from Lillian High…
What was her…?
Oh that's right…Misaki, wasn't it?
It had become public knowledge that Nana-Chan had not only become Yoshino's destined Petite Soeur but that she had also frequently been in the presence of Lillian's angel which many of the girls found intriguing as they continued to ask question after question of the slightly overwhelmed Nana-Chan.
Even so she often became very nervous around the topic of Yumi and she couldn't help but notice the jealous looks and the intensity of her classmate's stares when she walked around the campus or worked during lessons.
But nobody worried her more than Misaki who had once managed to corner Nana on her way back home and questioned her relentlessly about Yumi. Nana-Chan attempted to alter her answers to protect Yumi from further questions or misunderstandings but this Misaki seemed to know Yumi's every move and her every lie.
Misaki greatly worried her because she seemed rather forceful in her questions and lacked the subtlety of others. Misaki probed Nana-Chan about Yumi's social life, family life and more worryingly about her personal life. Nana-Chan always meant to warn Yumi about this girl and many others but never got round to it.
Every time Nana-Chan began to talk with Yumi she instantly forgot all of her worries and concerns. Yumi was such a kind and warm hearted person that she felt ashamed of worrying this amazing person who had done nothing to deserve the lustful attention from peers and other less inclined personalities.
So Nana-Chan pushed it to the back of her mind as she continued to bask in the glow of her new Onee-Sama and her closest friends. She was still new to this new found attention and while she was not usually nervous or anxious, she welcomed it because it meant that she was doing something meaningful.
Nana-Chan had welcomed the offer of attending the Water Resort Park but eventually decided against it and refused the offer as she believed it should involve Sachiko and Rei's closest friends.
Flashback
It had been only a week since Nana-Chan had rejected the offer from Yoshino and she still contemplated her decision. She wanted to see her Onee-Sama as much as possible and comfort her through what she was sure was going to be a very difficult time.
Nana-Chan quickly acknowledged the deep and loving bond between Yoshino and Rei. She longed for that intimacy between the two and at the same time she wanted to support and comfort Yoshino in the difficult times ahead. She had attempted to give Yoshino and Rei time together considering it was there last year together before Rei left Tokyo to achieve success in a foreign land.
However, unknown to her, Rei was attempting to bring Yoshino and Nana-Chan together. Rei often visited Nana-Chan when she was accompanied by Yoshino and Nana-Chan couldn't help but understand the reasons for Yoshino's admiration for the older woman.
Although in truth Nana-Chan suspected something deeper and more affectionate between the two and if that was the case Nana would willingly give them the privacy and protection they needed.
Rei began to gradually like the girl more and more and was impressed with Nana's openness and maturity which was obvious to all except the person who possessed those talents. Nana-Chan was a big fan of kendo but had never had the confidence to try the sport because she felt she lacked the strength and elegance which were involved in such a physically demanding sport.
At this admission Rei supported Nana-Chan and offered to help her train before she attended Lillian High with Yoshino. Nana-Chan initially didn't want to waste her precious revision time, or more importantly her time with Yoshino, but eventually she gave in from the repeated pressure from Yoshino and Rei. She had been training with Rei for a while with Yoshino joining in as well.
It had been great fun and an eye opening experience for Nana who felt more comfortable around Rei as Rei began to act more as her usual self rather than the anxious woman who found it difficult to open a conversation with Nana.
It took a long while but eventually Nana-Chan accepted the request of attending the Water Resort Park after Sachiko and the other members of the Yamayurikai came to her house and personally asked her to attend this important event.
Nana-Chan had been slightly overwhelmed by the occasion and remembered her parents gazing round looking noticeably impressed as Lillian High's finest and most elegant students celebrated Nana-Chan's attendance to the Water Resort Park by asking them if they could take her out for dinner at a local restaurant.
Nana remembered fondly the conversation with her parents afterwards as they talked at length about her possible future and how her life would be like at Lillian High now that she was, in their words, so popular and important. Nana couldn't help but blush at their happiness especially her mother who previously attended Lillian High but never rose to the ranks of a Yamayurikai member.
So it was settled, Nana-Chan would be attending the event with her Onee-Sama watching her under close supervision. Nana was still a very young woman so it was up to Eriko, Rei and Yoshino to ensure her safety on the trip to the water resort park.
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Sachiko watched as Kanako, Nana, Yoshino, Rei and Eriko left the group and entered the second car.
"Okay…that's just leaves us…come on let's go" Sachiko headed towards the car conversing with Youko while Touko and Yumi held hands to the car before separating at the door. Touko silently understood Yumi's hope that she could sit beside Sachiko and wouldn't dare be so selfish as to reject the silent pleading from her Onee-Sama which only Touko could hear.
Sachiko sat down and was later joined to her surprise by a smiling Yumi who took the blanket from behind her and spread it across their legs. Yumi nestled in closer and rested her head on Sachiko's shoulder while under the blanket Sachiko's hand reached for Yumi's as she grasped it tightly.
"Thank you Yumi" Sachiko said slightly overwhelmed by the caring sentiment and proceeded to sit back and slowly fall asleep beside Yumi who still stared up at her with love and affection in her eyes at the sight of Sachiko basked in the glow of the summer light.
Touko and Youko shared a knowing look before they looked at the pair too wrapped up in their own little world to see two supporting actresses sitting comfortably across from them. Youko eventually noticed Yumi beginning to fall asleep and motioned for Touko to support her Onee-Sama before she rolled away from Sachiko.
Touko hastily sat beside Yumi and positioned her closer to Sachiko as Touko took Yumi's other hand and stroked it fondly.
Youko continued to look at her caring and loving family. She could feel tears attempting to push through but she managed to quell that tender emotion.
That's my family…
My dear Petite Soeur has changed so much in such a short time…
And it's all due to you Yumi…
Thank you…
And now you've found someone just as special in Touko…
I couldn't be happier.
Youko looked back outside watching nature smile back at her as she looked at the beautiful scenery which overwhelmed her senses and brought her to a comfortable and peaceful sleep.
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It was a pleasant journey to the water resort park unless you counted the heated argument occurring between Eriko and Yoshino which once again involved a dejected Rei who was forced to listen to a frightening conversation which involved her.
Rei looked from Yoshino to Eriko as they continued their argument over Yoshino's tendency to cling to Rei. Yoshino adamantly denied this claim and insisted they remained together due to their bond which was stronger than Eriko's claim to Rei because they were actually cousins.
Eriko always enjoyed to debate things with Yoshino because in her mind she was one of the few people who would tell something to her straight and without subtlety which she highly admired in the young girl.
Rei looked towards Nana-Chan who had thankfully gotten used to these frequent arguments and continued to look out the window with a glazed look in her eyes as she finally succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep pressed against Yoshino's shoulder before being gently led towards Yoshino's lap.
This stopped the heated conversation as Yoshino moved her Petite Soeur into a more comfortable position on her lap while Eriko moved Nana-Chan's legs so that she could lie on the comfortable seat. Yoshino thanked Eriko who simply petted her on the head before attempting to get some shut-eye as well.
Rei and Yoshino exchanged a smile before leaving the other to catch up on some well-deserved sleep. They had been informed that the journey would take about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and so many decided to sleep till they reached their destination.
While in the other car, Shimako and Noriko conversed at length about their plans for the future as Sei watched on pretending to sleep but occasionally opening her eyes to see the two. She was very happy for Shimako and felt rather bad imposing on the two who were no doubt, in Sei's mind at least, falling in love with each other.
She saw the looks, the gentle touches, the jokes which made little sense and the anxious pauses in between sentences. She knew the signs because she had also felt them and all the emotions one is granted when they fall in love and have that love returned to them.
It's just like when…
When…
Shiori.
She gripped her eyes and slowly hid her face from the two girls who didn't notice the pain that conflicted Sei's face as she buried her face deep underneath the blanket. She hid her face attempting to control the overwhelming urge to just sob uncontrollably and give into the pain that had been eating away at her for so many difficult years.
You'd think after this much time apart I would have gotten over this…
But it still hurts…
Sei opened her eyes as she saw the face of the woman she loved but the face she saw wasn't Shiori's anymore she had without even searching for it found someone who she wanted to love and protect with all her heart. The same someone who not only accepted her feelings but returned those feelings of love and she had the marks to prove it. She smiled slightly at this thought and touched her neck where a love bite was hidden underneath her collar.
She thought back to Shiori and how they had left each other. Perhaps leaving each other's lives forever and how her friends had comforted her when she needed support and how her Onee-Sama came to collect her from the station with Shiori's letter in hand was their fate.
She was there for me even before Shiori…
Shiori was the woman I loved the most in this world…
But not anymore…
Shiori was replaced by you…my love.
She began to smile as she saw the woman she had the pleasure of touching, smiling, kissing, loving and even the pleasure of sharing a bed in the knowledge she would wake up with the woman she loved laying peacefully by her side.
Oh Youko…
Did I ever live before I met you?
Before I confessed my feelings?
Before…before we kissed?
Before we made love?
Sei's mind slipped into a deep sleep safe in the knowledge that the woman she loved was safe and only a car away from her.
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Author's Notes: Oh boy this part took a very long time to make and went through many edits before I felt comfortable finally publishing it. I hope you enjoyed it and I will be able to put the next part up very soon. This chapter was actually a lot longer about 12,000 words when I finished writing.
So I decided to split it into 2 parts because I know you wouldn't want to read through such a long convoluted story like mine. This does mean however that this Chapter will have about 8 parts now because there is a lot to write in this chapter and a lot will happen which will shape each of their fates.
So what do you think about my first couple reveal? Sei and Youko are a couple and have secretly been for some time. That's the first couple reveal in this story and you'll get to see more couple reveals and confessions very soon. Hope you agree with me when I say that Youko and Sei just felt destined to be together because I absolutely love these two together. Although that's not to say they can successfully face future trials in their relationships.
I hope you all enjoyed this part and will return for the next one. Reviews and Personal messages would be kindly appreciated but they are not required. I'm happy as long as I have people reading my work which I've spent a long time planning and working through.
I'm astounded by the response to this story and that only gives me more of a drive to see it to its completion. And before you ask yes this will be seen to its completion even if I alone read it loool I love this story too much to ever let it go.
I really need to keep these author notes brief hahaha because I think I bored you enough for now. The next chapter will be up soon and I would once again like to thank HeavyTeaDrinker who makes my life so much easier because I am pretty useless when it comes to writing a story that people can enjoy without becoming completely bored.
:D
