A/N: Hi and welcome to my torture chamber, not. This chapter is longer than the previous one and it might be a little frustrating but you might enjoy the extra push Yumi got. As you know my Yumi and Sachiko are a little different because they were raised together so some of their reactions are more, let's say human.
xLaShay: Hi, and glad that you like the date, Sei's just an awesome character. Let me clarify the ages, right now Rei and Sachiko are 15 close to 16 as soon as the graduate middle school. Yumi, Yoshino and Shimako are 16, they'll turn 17 as soon as they start 2nd year and both Youko and her are 17 [18 soon] and, in my country, you could have a provisional driver's license at that age, that is why Sei could drive, I try to have as few loose ends as possible and also Youko share that 'not a morning person' trait with Sachiko that is why she slept wherever and whenever she could, lol. Some person will smack some sense into Yumi's head in this chapter so you can be less frustrated. BTW I left you some reviews in one of your stories, for the love of God update soon please!.
VolpineGrinz: Hi again, well I think those pet names are quite adorable that's why I enjoy using them. I hope the tension dissipates a little soon. The sweet sweet love is coming but not yet.
mimingkarose: OMG every time I read your review I laugh again with your Dragon Ball Z comment. Yup, Sei should mentor Yumi but I don't think Sachiko might like that, lol. I guess that frustration is the same feeling I have when I finish a chapter of citrus and Mei does nothing, lol. Well Yumi will realize something in this chapter but to answer all your questions you'll have to wait another week for the next episode of DBZ, ahem...Oh Sister!...lol.
dinnca: Hi and thanks for reading, well my Sachiko is not that stuck up and also is way more competitive than the original which is fun, she can't be serious all the time, she'd get wrinkles lol.
Normally I tittle my chaps in the same language I write the fics but today I recommend you to google the tittle, is a song from a Argentine singer that inspire me a lot when I write, his name is Gustavo Cerati and that song fits this fic like a glove, you might like it.
Enjoy!
Señales Luminosas…
Neither Yumi nor Sachiko could sleep the whole night so, no wonder the dark haired teen was that cranky nor was the eldest Fukuzawa sister so edgy on a really cloudy Sunday morning. It was like the weather was reacting towards the sisters' thoughts and feelings.
"Yumi-chan, are you okay?" Yoshino asked her roommate when the brown haired Fukuzawa sighed every now and then
"Huh? Did you say something Yoshino-chan?"
"I asked you if you are okay, which CLEARLY you are not" the braided girl raised an eyebrow
"It's…nothing; can we go and have breakfast? I'm starving" Yumi hurried her roommate and headed to the dining hall.
On another room Sachiko hated every second she couldn't sleep and looked really irritated. Rei, now having a better knowledge of her roommate's moods decided to leave earlier for breakfast to avoid one of Sachiko's tantrums. She was aware about her roommate's sleepless night and knew that she would be really moody, thing that the blonde wasn't willing to face today.
Being left alone in her room, Sachiko decided on taking a bath, she needed to organize her thoughts. While soaking in the tub she decided to think things over.
What should I do? First of all, how do I feel towards my sister? Of course I care about her, there is no doubt about that and I feel very protective when that Satou Sei is around but that is completely normal, right?...
Sachiko sighed loudly making small waves over the water and then she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the tub.
What is not normal is having this longing for her smiles, hugs and…
The dark haired teen clenched her fists underwater, she felt helpless. Sachiko closed her eyes and tears threatened from falling.
Kisses…
Yes, Sachiko had to recognize that, even if it confuses her, she was missing Yumi not only as a sister but she was also starting to crave for her as a woman. She still remembered all of those occasional steamy dreams where the brown haired teen was seducing her, kissing and touching her in a non sisterly way. And, deep down, Sachiko wished them to come true.
I just have this sensation that I'm losing control and I don't know what to do anymore…Should I act on my instincts, feelings or whatever this is?...Should I just distance myself from Umi? Last time we drifted apart all of this happened…All of these emotions were new to Sachiko and she wasn't able to classify each one of them yet. But she was sure of one thing, she longed for her sister's touch.
I want to kiss her…Oh Maria-sama what should I do?...
On the other hand, Yumi was having same conflicted thoughts if not a worse than her sister's. She was the older one, she was supposed to set an example, instead, she was having these feelings towards this beautiful brunette she calls her sister.
Because that's what Sachiko is, my freaking sister…isn't there supposed to be a taboo or something about this kind of thing? How come I don't feel repulsion against the mere idea of kissing MY SISTER but yearning...There must be something really wrong with me…Am I even gay?...Yumi sighed again while playing with her food distractedly. Yoshino exchanged glances with Rei that arrived just minutes ago.
What is wrong with Yumi?...Yoshino asked telepathically to her cousin who shook her head, they had that kind of deep connection.
I have no idea but Sachiko is cranky today…Rei mouthed 'Sachiko' and 'cranky' to her braided cousin who just sighed exasperatedly and rubbed her temples.
Great, now we also have to deal with cranky ass I-hate-every-living-soul Sachiko…
Just in that moment Sachiko placed a tray with her food and sat next to Yoshino who stiffened while the youngest Fukuzawa just mumbled a low 'good morning' and quietly, started to eat with her eyes glued to her plate. Yumi started shifting uncomfortably on her seat.
What the hell is going on with these two girls?...As soon as Yoshino opened her mouth to put her thoughts into words Yumi raised from her seat.
"I…I'm going to take a walk, see you later" the brown haired Fukuzawa left the dining hall in a hurry leaving a frowning Yoshino and a dangerously quiet Sachiko behind.
"I'm definitely going for a run now" Rei just wanted to flee but she knew that her roommate could use the release "are you coming Sachiko-san?" The dark haired Fukuzawa raised her gaze and gave Rei a cold stare, the blonde was used to that so she didn't even flinch.
"Sure, just let me change clothes Rei-san" the blonde's eyes widened
It is the first time she doesn't call me by my last name…what a weird miracle…
Yoshino couldn't contain her tongue. She felt like taunting the cranky Fukuzawa which was not a smart move.
"Behaving like a regular human much?" Sachiko gave her the coldest glare she could come up with, Yoshino stiffened, suddenly her throat felt dry while those ice cold orbs dug a hole in her skull.
I guess she can freeze hell over with that stare…
"Nevermind" Yoshino stood up and left to her room.
"Jeez, some people just need to get laid" the teen with braids whispered to herself quiet enough so Sachiko wouldn't hear her; she didn't want to risk her life even more.
"See you at the track in twenty minutes then Sachiko-san" Rei smiled nervously
I just wanted to run and relax baka Yoshino…at least Sachiko didn't murder her, yet…
Sachiko's gaze softened and gave her roommate a small and polite smile "Sure Rei-san, see you in twenty minutes" with that Rei left leaving Sachiko to finish her breakfast alone, she looked like she needed more time for herself.
Actually running sounds like a good idea, it would help me clear my mind…The dark haired Fukuzawa finished her breakfast and headed to her room to change clothes and met with Rei for a run.
On the other side of the school, Yumi was standing in front of Maria-sama's statue with her eyes closed and her hands pressed together; she was attempting to find an answer to her predicament through prayer.
Please Maria-sama I need advice with this situation, please give me a sign…
"So it is actually true that students pray in front of that statue" a cheery voice stated coming closer behind Yumi who slowly opened her eyes
That voice…
"I told you it was true, it is in the school's manual" a slightly annoyed voice answered back sounding even closer now
Those voices sound familiar…
"Mei-mama you know how Yuzu okaasan is, she sees books and falls asleep" a serious child voice stated.
"Yuzu Okaasan is so lazy" a giggling childish voice added.
"Hey I'm right here you girls" Yuzu protested and just in that moment Yumi turned around and found the Aiharas looking at her surprised.
"Mei-san, Yuzu-san glad to see you again" the brown haired Fukuzawa smiled.
"Yumi-chan, long time no see" Yuzu approached the teen and encircled her in a big hug.
"Hello Yumi-san" as soon as the blonde woman let Yumi out of her embrace Mei greeted the teen politely.
The brown haired teen smile widened as soon as she saw two children, a serious looking blonde standing next to Yuzu and a smaller and hyper brunette standing next to Mei. She decided to approach and kneeled in front of the blonde one.
A serious looking blonde with deep purple eyes gave her a polite smile and bowed "Aihara Meizu, glad to meet you"
"Oh my, glad to meet you Meizu-chan" She looked up at Mei and smiled "she's so like you Mei-san"
"See? I told you Mei" the brunette woman and Meizu rolled their eyes and Yumi giggled
They're so alike…
Yumi approached a younger brunette with soft green eyes that was being held by Mei and the youngest red rose family member smiled when the little girl escaped from her mother's grasp and approached the brown haired Fukuzawa.
"Hi I'm Aihara Yuzume, I'm six and study in elementary school with my sister Meizu, well she's eight so we are in different classes, what's your name by the way? Do you study here too?" the brunette girl spoke nonstop until she ran out of air and Yumi giggled.
"Yes, I was like that when I was a kid" Yuzu smiled and hugged her younger daughter.
"You still are like that" Mei snorted
"Shut up tsundere-chan" Yuzu pouted and Meizu smiled while Yuzume and Yumi giggled
"I can see the resemblance and" the brown haired teen smirked "to answer to your questions little Yuzume, my name's Fukuzawa Yumi and yes, I also attend Lillian but the high school branch"
"I'm not little, I'm six already" Yuzume pouted and Mei smiled ruffling her daughter's hair slightly earning a bigger pout from her youngest daughter.
Like mother like daughter…
"I don't want to sound rude but why are you here at Lillian on a Sunday morning?" Yumi was actually curious.
"Well Yumi-chan we came to the morning service at Lillian's church because our daughters are part of Lillian's elementary choir so they had to sing"
"Oh that's great" Yumi gave them a weak smile looking tired with dark circles under her eyes. Mei and Yuzu exchanged glances and nodded to each other.
I'll handle it…
"Hey girls, how about some strawberry milk?" Yuzu offered her daughters
"Yay milk, can I have some melon bread too? Please okaasan" Yuzu chuckled "Sure, what would you like Meizu?"
"I would like some chocolate milk instead okaasan" the blonde child smiled at her mother.
"I'll be right back then, let's go girls" Yuzu took Yuzume's hand and walked towards the milk bar followed by Meizu.
Mei turned to face Yumi and gave her a friendly smile "Could you join me for a walk Yumi-san?"
"Sure Mei-san"
After several minutes walking around Lillian's gardens Mei saw a bench and sat signaling Yumi to sit next to her. The brown haired Fukuzawa sat and let out a sight.
"You seem distressed Yumi-san" Mei started "I might help if you want"
"I don't know where to start or what to say" the brown haired teen looked troubled
"Just tell or ask me whatever comes to mind" the brunette woman offered
I might have an idea where this is going anyways…
"How did...?" the brown haired teen word's got caught up in her throat
"How did what Yumi-san?" Mei insisted
"How did you realize it?" the brown haired Fukuzawa was struggling
"I don't seem to follow Yumi-san"
"How did you realize that you had feelings towards Yuzu-san?"
"Oh…" Mei now understood
So that is why you are like this…poor lost soul…
"Well actually I was very reluctant in the beginning and let me tell you a secret" Mei approached Yumi a little "Yuzu's right when she calls me tsundere because in fact I was, but you can never tell her that I recognized that" after that the brown haired teen giggled and relaxed a little.
Once a tsundere, always a tsundere Mei-san…
"In the beginning it was a shock for me and I didn't know how to handle the whole situation so, I just toyed with her but it was because I didn't want to accept my feelings towards that annoying blonde new sister that my father got me when he remarried Yuzu's mother" Mei smiled and continued "but when I saw that Matsuri girl kissing Yuzu back then it hit me" the brunette woman sighed exasperated at the memory "I knew that I wanted her to be mine but" now Mei chuckled "I let Yuzu do all the work, she was actually the one that confessed" Yumi smiled
Mei-san is actually a softhearted woman, under that entire tsundere attitude, of course…
"But I was the one that accepted and we started dating in secret" now Mei grew serious "let me tell you, it wasn't easy because when our family discovered the nature of our relationship they were all against us but we knew that what we had was special so we didn't give up and" Mei leaned against the bench, looked up and smiled "here we are all these years later, married and with two lovely daughters and I could not be happier" Yumi nodded sympathetically.
"Why the sudden question Yumi-san?" Mei looked from the corner of her eyes how the brown haired teen fidgeted
Now it is your turn to come clean Yumi-san you can't be that dense; because if you are I will crush your soul…and some parts of your body…they don't call me tsundere for nothing…
"Well you see…I…" the brown haired teen blushed deeply "I think that…"
"Go on" Mei pushed harder.
Come on Yumi-san; acceptance is the first step…
Yumi took a deep breath, it was now or never. She swallowed hard and finally admitted what she kept deep inside her heart and soul. That bare feeling that had been eating her inside for quite some time.
"I think that I'm in love with my sister, Mei-san" had the brown haired teen looked like a very heavy weight was lifted off from her shoulders.
I'm quite glad I didn't have to smack the obvious out of you, little dense one…I really hope Sachiko-san is better at confessing her feelings…
"That you are Yumi-san" the brunette woman pointed at Yumi's silver chain that rested around the brown haired teen's neck "I can tell just by seeing that you are using Sachiko's fire pendant and I know that because we sold and engraved it for her" Yumi gasped, it was indeed Sachiko's silver fire pendant, it had an 'S' engraved on the back.
"You wanted to have her close to her heart, ne Yumi-chan?" Yuzu overheard the last part of the conversation while coming back from the milk bar. The young Fukuzawa nodded shyly and the blonde woman smiled tenderly.
"Don't give up Yumi-chan" Yuzu approached the brown haired teen and handed her a chocolate milk bottle, she had just arrived along with her daughters "and besides, you two don't look alike, actually if it wasn't for the fact that you shared the same last name we wouldn't have guessed that you were related. Maybe one of you is adopted, who knows, right Mei?" The brunette nodded and glared at her wife.
Yuzu can be so crass at times…
"Right, everything's possible Yumi-san" Mei gave the young member of the red rose family a reassuring smile"Sometimes you just need to have some faith"
"Just make up your mind before talking to Sachiko-san about this" Yuzu handed a bottle of strawberry milk to her wife while little Yuzume sat on Mei's lap and tried to feed her brunette mother with some melon bread.
Now the seed of doubt is planted, it just needs to grow…Yuzu smiled satisfied. Her wife might look tough and unreachable but she was the best when it comes to talking to insecure people and Yuzu just needed to give the last push, which was her specialty, they were such a good team.
"I will, thank you for the advice Mei-san, Yuzu-san" Yumi stood up from the bench and bowed respectfully "nice meeting you Yuzume-chan, Meizu-chan I have to go; I have some thinking to do" the blonde girl bowed while the little brunette waved happily.
"Anytime Yumi-san" Mei smiled while taking the piece of melon bread her youngest daughter was offering her.
"Good luck Yumi-chan and say 'Hi' to Sachiko-san for us" the brown haired Fukuzawa nodded and walked away towards the dorms. As soon as Yumi was nowhere to be seen Yuzu sat next to her wife.
"Sooo?" Yuzu asked curiously nudging the brunette on the ribs
"So?" Mei was enjoying her strawberry milk ignoring the blonde woman
"What did she tell you? She's in love with Sachiko-chan right?" Mei only nodded and Yuzu clapped excitedly
"I knew it!" Mei only rolled her eyes
"Say it" Yuzu pressed
"No" Mei glared at her wife
"Come on, I was right" Yuzu pouted, it never failed with Mei even if she won't recognize it for her life "So, SAY IT!" the blonde woman insisted.
"Tch, okay" Mei sighed exasperatedly "You are the ultimate matchmaker jeweler, happy?"
"Very" Yuzu clapped excitedly "I bet she already has wet dreams starring Sachiko" Mei was about to reply when a little blonde child on her knees interrupted her.
"Okaasan, what's a wet dream?" Yuzume asked innocently before taking a bite of her melon bread. Meizu just ignored them; something told her that her blonde mother was in trouble, again.
Oh shit…Yuzu paled.
"Really Yuzuko?" Mei was livid; how were they supposed to explain THAT to her sweet six year old daughter?
She called me Yuzuko? Oh…I'm in deep, deep trouble…
"Well Yuzume you see…" Yuzu started not knowing what to say next, she was undeniably doomed.
I'm sooo sleeping on the couch tonight…
~~-O-~~
Not so far from there, two girls were still running some laps. Rei felt at ease and Sachiko was in a better mood. This is what I needed to clear my thoughts, thank you Rei-san…
"Are you up for two more laps Sachiko-san?" Rei smiled panting slightly
"Sure Rei-san" Sachiko continued running
I care about Yumi, I won't deny it anymore but that is because she is my sister. I should be horrified just by thinking about my sister in a different way which I am not. We kissed on different occasions and it was…pleasant…well, more than that. Last time was like being surrounded by liquid fire and I didn't dislike it, I might add…it just confuses me…all these feelings are so new and diverse that I do not know how to handle them…but they just don't sicken me, I feel like a sailor hearing a mermaid sing a love song…
They just started their last lap with Sachiko on the lead "How about full speed Chiko-chan?" Rei chuckled when the dark haired Fukuzawa twitched at the nickname that only Yumi was entitled to use.
"Oh, you had it coming kendo taichou" Sachiko started sprinting "I'm not the best in the track team for nothing" Rei smiled and dashed trying to catch up with the fast dark haired Fukuzawa.
Glad to see you in a better mood Sachiko-san…
As they approached the finish line the dark haired teen was more than 5 meters ahead from Rei, she smiled satisfied when she came first effortlessly.
"See? You are no match for the great Fukuzawa Sachiko" the dark haired teen gave her roommate a big smile, she was too competitive.
"Sure Sachiko-san, sure" Rei crossed the finish line and laughed
"Do you want me to hold a shinai to prove you wrong?" Sachiko taunted uncharacteristically. She still had adrenaline running through her veins and she felt invincible.
"Nevermind" Rei rolled her eyes and Sachiko smiled satisfied
I do care about my sister; let's face it she means more than that, I just want to…ahem…I mean, I just don't want that lewd Satou Sei close to my Yumi…I want to take care of her and make her smile for me and only for me…
"Let's go back to the dorms and shower Sachiko-san"
"Of course Rei-san, we definitely need a shower" Rei nodded and started walking towards the dorms.
I just want to be by her side and protect her…I just want my Yumi to be happy and yes, MY Yumi…
After the talk with Mei and Yuzu, Fukuzawa Yumi felt quite happy with herself. She actually admitted her feelings towards her sister. She started recalling some of the things Mei told her earlier.
Sometimes you just need to have some faith…
She asked for a sign and she got way more than that. She even got a glimpse of a promising future reflected on the two jewelry store owners.
I wish we could…
Yumi got to her room and decided to avoid Yoshino's inquisitive glance by taking a bath, she wanted to be alone some more, she felt that she was reaching a life altering milestone and she decided to follow another advice given by the Aihara couple.
Just make up your mind before talking to Sachiko-san about this…
Definitely she needed to do that; she needed to decide her course of action if she didn't want to hurt her sister's feelings. Yumi stripped of her clothes and got in the tub. She took a small towel and put it over her eyes and started to doze off, she was exhausted.
A younger version of Yumi left her old house through the backdoor and ran to the greenhouse, she stood in front of the door of the glass structure frowning.
Why is the door open?…
She entered and walked directly to her favorite spot: the red rose bushes. The more she approached the bushes in the back of the greenhouse the more the young Yumi frowned. She didn't forget to put the covers away so she found it odd that now they were lying on top of the futon.
When little Yumi took a closer look, she gasped at the sight. Right there under the covers was a blushing little girl with dark hair covering her face slightly, her little hands were clutching the covers tight; she looked so fragile and helpless. Little Yumi rubbed her eyes, she thought it was a dream, but it wasn't, so she kneeled in front of the lying girl and touched her forehead, she was burning with fever.
Frightened cobalt eyes looked at brown "Help" the dark haired girl whispered; she was still exhausted and extremely hot.
"You sick, let me go get mommy" Yumi's eyes widened when a little hand grabbed her from the wrist, she felt how all her body covered with goose bumps.
"P'ease" those feverish deep blue eyes implored the older girl "not leave me" the little girl was trembling. "Okay, momma's coming anyways" Yumi took the younger girl's hand and sat next to her "Ne, what's your name?" she wondered out loud.
"Sa…" she coughed a little "…chiko"
"Mine's Yumi, Fukuzawa Yumi" she smiled tenderly at Sachiko "Why are you sleeping here Chiko-chan?"
"I…cold…raining…u…mi-chan" the dark haired girl was trembling while Yumi caressed her forehead with her tiny right hand while her left was entwined with hers making her feel warm inside, Sachiko felt safe.
The older version of Yumi gasped when she felt her lungs filling with cool water, she couldn't breathe. The towel over her eyes long gone, she coughed hard and sat on the tub again.
What was that dream again?...she turned around as soon as she heard an amused chuckle.
"Wake up sleepyhead you look like a raisin" Yoshino had that bad habit of pushing her underwater every time she caught Yumi fast asleep in the tub.
Sometimes I wonder if she just wants to drown me…maybe she drowned her previous roommate…
"Yoshino-chan…" Yumi coughed "can you just wake me up" more coughing "by calling my name or poking me?"
"I can but it wouldn't be this fun" Yoshino definitely had a strange sense of humor "It's almost lunch time, you've been there for the last two hours"
Yumi's eyes widened "Really?"
"Yup"
I need to hurry…
Yumi jumped out of the tub and entered her room. She got dressed with no time to spare and ran out of her room towards the Rose Mansion.
Please wait for me Chiko-chan…
In record time she got to the mansion, and rushed to the second floor. There sitting elegantly and sipping a cup of tea was Sachiko waiting for her.
Thank you Maria-sama that Chiko-chan waited for me…
"Umi I brought lunch" the dark haired teen pointed at the two food containers she had placed on the table "Do you want some tea?" Yumi nodded panting slightly.
The dark haired Fukuzawa stood up and poured some tea for her older sister. She placed the cup in front Yumi that took a seat in front of her. They drank their tea in silence stealing glances at each other. When Yumi finished drinking her tea, she placed the cup on the table, took a deep breath and looked at her sister.
"Sachiko" she decided to call her sister by her name instead of her nickname, it was a serious talk.
"Yes Yumi?" Sachiko thought the same so she addressed her sister in a serious tone also.
"I…"
A/N: Cliffy much? well I hope it gets better, I saw a bunch of visits and few reviews which is weird but maybe the cliffy motivate you guys, lol
[Runs and hides]
