A/N: First, a special thanks to seyan, teufelchen29, and Insomniac1970 for their comments. You all make my day.

Second, I apologize for the length of this chapter, I just could not see a good place to cut it and I did not want to leave you all hanging (again).

That being said, on with the next installment.

Disclaimer: I do not own MSGM or any of its characters. All such honors belong to Oyuki Konno and her publishers.


Hiromi was a little nervous as he approached the front gate to Lillian that first day back after the summer break. The train ride home after that first week of vacation had been fun but tinged with a bit of sadness. He had really enjoyed his time with the girls and felt he had become even closer to them; but it had eventually ended. They had parted ways at the station, Hiromi and Tsutako returning to their respective homes while Sachiko and Yumi traveled on to the Ogasawara summer retreat.

That second week of break had been slow and lonely. He'd spent most of his time finishing up his homework, cleaning the house and yard, and reading. There had been one day that he and his mother had spent at one of their company's fashion shows. They had hung around back in the changing area with the models to try to reinforce his training before the start of school. He had seen so many boobs, nipples, and butts he was totally bored before lunch time.

And yet, he thought to himself, every time I remember Tsutako and those black panties I . . .

He felt the blush creeping up his neck and forcibly pushed the memory away, reciting nursery rhymes under his breath.

He stopped in front of the stone statue of Maria-sama to say a silent prayer, closing his eyes and bowing his head, hands pressed together.

Maria-sama, because of your love and guidance I have been blessed with such marvelous friends. Your love has seen me through times both terrible and wonderful. I know I have no right, but I ask that you continue to watch over me, to guide me with your wisdom, and light my way with your love. Amen.

"Hiromi-san, good day," he heard as he opened his eyes and raised his head. He turned to see Sachiko-sama and Yumi-san walking towards him; Sachiko with her typical grace and Yumi walking quietly beside her.

"Good day, Sachiko-sama, Yumi-san. I hope that you had a nice vacation last week?" he asked with a slight bow of his head.

"There were parts that were somewhat tedious," Sachiko answered for the both of them, "but Yumi came through with flying colors at the end, putting everything, and everyone, in their proper places."

"Onee-sama," Yumi whined prettily.

Hiromi giggled, "It sounds like a story I would like to hear more of; perhaps this afternoon at the Rose Mansion? If I remember correctly we need to start getting ready for the school sports festival. I hope that I can continue to assist you in your endeavors."

"Your assistance would be most welcome as always," Sachiko answered with a smile.

"How was the rest of your vacation Hiromi-san?" Yumi asked cheerfully but with a slight smirk. "Did you and Tsutako get to spend any more quality time together?"

"Unfortunately we did not," he answered politely, and then in a sterner voice, "Yumi-san, you have learned way too much in the art of teasing from your onee-sama. If you continue I might just have to retaliate."

Yumi giggled behind her hand, flushing slightly, "Maybe I'll have to have you give me a massage," she answered.

"Yumi," Sachiko warned, "I have already informed you that if anyone is going to be giving you a massage it will be me."

"Yes, onee-sama," Yumi said contritely, but still with a small grin as she glanced up at Sachiko through her long lashes.

"Young lady, you are a total minx," Sachiko declared in exasperation, placing a gentle hand against Yumi's face, "whatever will I do with you."

"I am sure that you will think of something, onee-sama," Yumi answered in a flirtatious voice.

Hiromi couldn't help but giggle as he watched the by-play between the lovers. It was so good to see them together in this manner. It lifted his heart and allowed him to feel as if anything could be accomplished if he was just willing to put his whole heart and soul into it.

"Hiromi-san, would you be a dear and please walk this little vixen to her class and keep her out of trouble?" Sachiko asked with feigned aggravation, "I have to stop by the Rose Mansion and pick up some paperwork before I head to my own classes."

"Of course, Sachiko-sama, it would be my pleasure," he readily agreed, providing the Rosa Chinensis with a slight bow of his head.

"Thank you. I expect to see both of you at the Rose Mansion as soon as classes are over," she said and then strode away.

Hiromi and Yumi watched her go – Hiromi with a chuckle and Yumi with a gentle sigh. "Let us go Yumi-san," he told the pig-tailed girl, "we don't want to be late for class."

"Oh, that's right," Yumi gasped, her hand once again in front of her mouth, "we have PE today don't we," she giggled again. "I hope your training holds out."

"So do I, Yumi-san," he said with a sigh, "so do I."

Hiromi actually had very little trouble when it came time to change into and, after volleyball, out of his PE uniform. Yumi still had a very slight flush when she changed in front of him, giving him modest sideways glances when she thought he wasn't looking. She always looks so cute when she blushes, he thought to himself. However, it was Tsutako that caused the greatest commotion when she pulled off her uniform to display a pair of white men's boxer briefs and a t-shirt, giving Hiromi a teasing grin and sticking her tongue out at him when the other girls weren't looking.

". . . so Yumi walked right up to the great-grandmother and began singing 'Maria's Heart' a cappella. I joined in on the piano at the start of the second stanza so that she would have some accompaniment, but I don't think she really needed it. Hers was the only gift of music that brought a smile to that old woman's face. I was so proud of her," Sachiko was telling everyone later that afternoon.

"Onee-sama, you're embarrassing me," Yumi whined, hiding her face with her hands.

"I'm sorry, Yumi," Sachiko said with tenderness, cupping the younger girls cheek in her palm, "but you were so brave, standing up to those bullies and putting them in their place. I have never been prouder of you than at that moment. You were more than just a perfect lady. You were the only one there with true grace and style. You taught me that I did not have to put up with those shenanigans ever again and for that I am grateful."

"Onee-sama," Yumi smiled, capturing Sachiko's hand and placing a soft kiss on the palm, "It is all because of you. This time last year I would never have even thought of doing something like that. I love you."

"I love you too, Yumi," Sachiko replied softly.

"Ugh," Yoshino-san said loudly, jerking out of her chair and stomping to the cupboard to get another cup of tea, "if this gets any sappier I'm going to get diabetes. Please save it for the bedroom. Some of us," she glared directly at Rei-sama who had the grace to turn away, "can't be as free with their love as you are."

"You're just jealous because you and Rei-sama are like an old married couple," Yumi teased the outspoken girl, "while onee-sama and I are still newlyweds," she finished gazing lovingly into Sachiko's eyes.

"Yumi," Sachiko warned her placing a finger against her lips.

"Yes, onee-sama," Yumi replied, settling down but not before putting her lips around the finger and running her tongue around it causing Sachiko's eyes to widen in both shock and desire.

"If you will excuse me," Hiromi said giggling again at the pair's antics, "I think I will take my leave. I want to stop by the dojo and shoot a few targets before I head home."

"Of course," Sachiko said with a smile on her lips for her friend, "thank you for coming. I appreciate all your hard work."

-oo-

When he arrived at the dojo he changed into his kyudo uniform and grabbed his bow. He then spent a half hour helping to train the younger archers before spending the next hour shooting. He was covered in sweat by the time he was finished.

Sachiko had previously offered him the use of the bathroom and shower at the Rose Mansion so that he didn't have to both change clothes and shower with the other girls in his class. While she didn't mind him seeing Yumi in her underwear she drew the line at him seeing her naked. He had used the shower once already today after PE so he had no concerns using it again as he strolled from the dojo to the Rose Mansion after his workout.

Since the Rose Mansion had originally been a residence the bathroom was located on the second floor where the bedrooms, which had been converted into the large meeting room, had been located. The first floor had a dining room that was being used for storage, a living room which had been turned into a lounge, and a small kitchen/laundry combination along with another small storage area.

He used the key that Sachiko had given him to unlock the front door and first checked to make sure that there was no one else in the building. He then proceeded to change out of his kyudo uniform and jumped into the shower.

He was about half-way finished when he heard a knocking on the bathroom door.

Damn, I forgot to relock the front door! How stupid can I be!

"Yes," he called out, praying to Maria-sama that it was one of the five people on campus that knew his true gender.

"Hiromi, its Tsutako. Can I speak to you? I locked the front door behind me when I came in." he heard her call from the other side of the door, thanking Maria-sama with all his heart and promising never to be so stupid again.

"Uh sure, just let me finish up here. I won't be but a few more minutes."

Unbelievably he heard the door to the bathroom open and then close again and then the lock being engaged. He couldn't believe that he had forgotten that one too, but more importantly . . .

"Um, Tsutako?"

"I hope you don't mind," he heard her giggle, "the shower door is frosted and there is enough steam in here to protect your modesty . . . as if I haven't seen it before," She giggled again.

"Fine," he said with a sigh, "what did you need?"

"I saw you coming back from archery and thought I would ask you if I could get some photos of you shooting sometime later this week," she explained as he rinsed his hair, "I have an interview with a fashion magazine next month and I wanted to add some more sports photos to my portfolio before then."

"An interview? I didn't know that Lillian allowed students to work outside school."

"It's not for a job, at least not yet," she went on, "I would have to wait until I finished high school, but if they like what they see they're willing to offer me a part-time job and even help with my college tuition. I can't pass up an opportunity like that."

"That's great," he exclaimed, shutting off the water and wringing the excess out of his long hair, "I can understand why you would be excited and I'm happy for you. Of course I'll help; whatever you need."

He could just barely see her form sitting on the commode when he tried looking through the shower door. Her earlier words did not fit at all with what he saw. Her head was down almost touching her knees, her hands holding her head. It was a position not of happiness, but of absolute dejection. He grabbed his towel from the top of the shower stall, quickly wrapped it around himself and opened the door.

"Tsutako," he gasped, going to his knees in front of her. He gently took hold of her hands and pulled them from her face. There were tears in her eyes and lines of tears down her cheeks. "Tsutako, what's wrong."

Before he knew what was happening she had thrown her arms around his neck and they had fallen to the floor in a heap with her landing on top of him and crying her eyes out.

"Tsutako," he said softly, brushing her hair and letting her cry on his bare breasts. He continued to whisper her name softly, over and over again, gently rubbing her hair and holding her tight as she cried herself out.

When the crying jag had grown to mere sniffles Tsutako slowly let go of his neck and climbed off of him, sitting Indian style on the damp floor and settling her skirts properly. Hiromi reached around her and grabbed a handful of toilet paper and handed it to her.

"Sorry, I left my handkerchief in my other pair of pants," he said with a half-smile.

She grinned at his low humor, appreciating the attempt.

"Thank you," she said wiping her eyes and gently blowing her nose. "I'm sorry for barging in here and crying on your shoulder. I never meant to do that, I just . . . I just couldn't hold it in any longer."

"There's nothing to be sorry for," he said quietly, reaching out and brushing a strand of hair back behind her ear and then capturing her hand in his own. "I will always be there if ever you need me. It's something friends just do for each other," he explained with a grin. "So tell me, what is wrong and what can I do to help."

Tsutako smiled again, gazing at their clasped hands in her lap and brushing another stray tear from her eyes. "Keep that up boyo and you'll have me crying again.

"After I got home from your beach house last week I found out that my mother had lost her job due to downsizing. My father makes enough money to keep a roof over our heads, put food on the table and provide us with most everything we need. It was the money my mother brought in that allowed me to go to school here at Lillian. My tuition is paid up through the end of this semester but if my mother can't find another job I will probably have to transfer to the cheaper public school in town," she sniffed, grabbing another couple of sheets of toilet paper to wipe her eyes again.

"Can't that fashion magazine you were talking about cover your Lillian tuition as well if they like you?" he asked.

"No," she said, bundling up the toilet paper and throwing it in the waste basket, "their corporate policies won't allow them to provide any tuition assistance below college level, so until I graduate I'm on my own."

"First of all, you are not on your own," he said, giving her hand a quick shake. "At the risk or repeating myself, you have a lot of friends here at Lillian, including me, and we will do everything we can to help. Second, I am going to speak with the Academy Director to see if there is anything the school can do about it, either postponing payments, allowing for a payment plan, or even possibly a loan. And third, we are going to come right back here tomorrow after class and speak to the Yamayurikai. It's their responsibility to see to the welfare of the students," he grinned at her, "I think you have a few friends on the council that would also be willing to do whatever they can to help you."

As he had been speaking her eyes had begun watering again, but this time she had a smile on her face. When he had finished, she through her arms around his neck again to give him another hug. Unfortunately they overbalanced she ended up on top of him once again. At which point she finally realized that he was wearing nothing above the waist and his bare breasts were right in front of her eyes. She had seen them before of course, even felt them, but only while they were safely hidden behind a bra. Now, with them literally before her eyes, she could see each and every detail including the slightly taut, perfectly formed nipples.

"Um, Hiromi? Just how well do these things stick on," she asked, gently cupping one breast in the palm of each hand and giving both of them a mild squeeze. The nipples pressing into her palms felt like they hardened slightly.

"Let's just say that they survived the Sei-test," he huffed, his breath a little ragged and his heart starting to beat hard enough for her to feel it in her hands.

"Uh, you can feel this, right?" she asked, her voice going slightly weak while it dropped down half an octave. She couldn't believe the soft, sensitive material beneath her fingertips was anything but real. She had felt her own breasts of course, and even played with them while she had masturbated a few times, but suddenly feeling someone else's breasts brought a kind of tingling to that place between her legs she had never felt before. She had never thought of herself as being interested in other girls but the sight and feel of Hiromi's breasts was doing things to her that she never would have expected.

"Mmmm, y-yeah," he answered with a slight stammer, "but, t-that's not really the p-problem."

Tsutako suddenly became aware of something warm and hard pressing on her lower abdomen. Her lurch to hug Hiromi had not only ended up with her on top of him, but she realized that his towel had come undone and was now simply lying on the floor under his body. Still slightly confused from the fall and from the new feelings coursing through her she started to reach her right hand down to feel what it was that was pressing harder and harder into her when . . .

"No, don't do that," Hiromi pleaded, "d-don't move . . . please . . . just . . . don't move."

She stopped her hand and simply rested it on his bare left hip, feeling a shudder storm through him as goose bumps appeared on the skin beneath her fingertips.

"Hiromi," she whispered, looking up into his agonized eyes as she licked her lips. He moaned softly as she slowly slid her hand down the side of his hip until she could feel the tense side muscles of his buttocks, reveling in the smoothness of his skin and the feel of it beneath her hand.

She knew she should stop, that this was neither the time nor the place; hell they hadn't even shared a real kiss yet, let alone declared their feelings for each other! But a flame of desire had ignited in her loins, sucking her brains straight down from her head and depositing them much further south.

Her left hand continued to gently massage his breast eliciting another moan while he shook his head from side to side.

"Tsutako . . . please!"

They both jumped as they heard the front door slam shut one floor below them. Tsutako slid off of him and hid her face as Hiromi quickly covered himself and pushed his back against the cool, tile wall.

"Hiromi-san. Hiromi-san, are you here?" They heard the intruder yell from the entry foyer.

"T-that's Shimako-san," Hiromi whispered, "she has her own key to the front door. I've got to get dressed or at least put my panties on," he said desperately.

"I-I'll go down and stall her," Tsutako stammered, head still turned away from him as she backed towards the bathroom door.

"No!" he commanded softly, "Get outside the bathroom door and sit down. Yell down to her that we're here."

She quickly opened the door and started to slip through, calling down to Shimako to let her know that they were upstairs. Hiromi grabbed her hand before she had a chance to pull the door completely closed. She spun about and looked into his very serious, amethyst eyes.

"Do . . . not . . . leave!" he told her softly, his voice brooking no arguments. "You sit right there until I come out, promise?"

"I-I promise," she said in a quaking voice, slowly sliding down the wall to sit on her haunches, still looking into his eyes.

"Good," he said, a smile touching his lips as he closed the door. She heard the shower start up again as he turned it on full blast, letting her know that he was supposed to still be in the shower as far as Shimako was concerned.

Hiromi needed the extra time still being in the shower provided him to calm both his mind and his body before he left the bathroom. He even stepped briefly back into the shower stream, freezing water flowing over the lower part of his body, before he turned off the water and stepped back out, grabbing the damp towel from the floor and re-drying his now shrunken member and legs.

"Hiromi-san," he heard Tsutako call from the other side of the door, "Shimako-san is here and was wondering if you needed anything."

An idea suddenly sprang into his mind full-born, everything down to the last detail, and he called out, somewhat excitedly, "Yes, yes, I have something I need to speak with her about. Please don't let her leave."

"Tsutako-san and I will wait for you in the meeting room, Hiromi-san," he heard Shimako's calm voice telling him, "come over when you are dressed. I will make some tea."

"Thank you, Shimako-san. I will be there shortly," he called, a big smile on his face.

When he had dressed and entered the meeting room, Shimako had handed him a steaming cup of tea and he had immediately started explaining Tsutako's plight in a very business-like manner to the Rosa Gigantea. She was nodding her head, a slight smile on her face as he laid out his plan from start to finish, Tsutako's eyes getting wider and wider as he continued to speak.

When he had finished and finally taken a sip of his now tepid tea he looked back and forth between one of his very good friends and one that he now hoped might be more than just a good friend.

"Is that acceptable," he asked.

Shimako's normal serene smile never wavered but her eyes now danced with excitement and happiness. "It sounds perfectly wonderful to me. I have no problems with it nor do I believe the other two Roses will have any issues. If you do not mind I will give Sachiko-san and Rei-san a call now and obtain their agreement with your idea."

Hiromi nodded and she pushed her chair away from the table and went to refill her tea, pushing a few buttons on her cell phone and placing it to her ear as she gazed out the window at the now star-filled night. She began speaking softly as soon as the phone was answered on the other end. "Sachiko-san, it is Shimako. Do you have a few minutes?"

At the other end of the room Hiromi looked at Tsutako, a slight fear in his eyes, afraid that she would not go along with the plan.

"Is it all right with you, Tsutako? I mean, I didn't ask your permission first, and I know I just dropped this whole thing on you without any warning, but . . . can I please do this for you? No, not just you, but for anyone else that comes along and needs assistance? I expect this will become a legacy but . . . it's up to you. If you don't want me to do this I'll put a stop to it right now!"

Tsutako was still somewhat in shock. She couldn't believe, especially after what she had just done to this man, that he would do something like this for her. I nearly just raped this beautiful, wonderful man. How could he just ignore that and do this for me now? I don't understand him!

"Tsutako? Tsutako?" he asked again in a soft voice, starting to worry that he had really gone too far.

"Why?" Tsutako said in a meek voice. "After what I just did . . . why would you do this for me?" Tears were once again forming in her eyes and he grabbed her hands and held on tight, not letting her go for any reason.

"Why? Why? Tsutako you idiot, you didn't do anything to me that I haven't wanted you to do for a long time now. The reason I kept saying no had nothing to do with not wanting you; it was for another, purely selfish reason," he said, lifting her chin so that she could look into his eyes and see that he meant every word he was speaking. "The first time I am with you I don't want it to be on the wet floor of the bathroom in the Rose Mansion. You deserve so much better than that . . . we deserve better than that. Although," he said, giving the meeting room table a significant glance, grinning as her eyes widened in shock and she finally gave a little giggle, slowly beginning to believe the story his eyes were telling her.

"Tsutako Takeshima-san," he said formally, never once taking his eyes away from that beautiful, bespectacled face with the sparkling dark blue eyes, the button nose, and the lips that were so quick to smile. Never once taking his eyes away from the brilliantly talented mind behind that beautiful face that was constantly searching for the next moment, the next scene, the next perfect picture. He licked his suddenly dry lips.

"Tsutako Takeshima-san," he repeated, "I like you. I like you a lot. I would like to spend time with you and explore the possibilities that a relationship with you could bring. I would like to spend time with you to learn all of the little things about you that I know I will come to love. Will you allow me to get to know you better and, hopefully, allow you to get to know me better as well? Will you let me spend that time with you Tsutako?"

"Yes, Hiromi, yes I will. I like you too," she whispered, praying her thanks to Maria-sama.

He leaned forward, his face moving slowly towards this beautiful girl as she leaned forward as well. He kissed her gently, a kiss which she gladly returned, again and again and again.

"Shimako-san," Sachiko was saying, "I agree that this plan will not only help Tsutako-san, a girl whom I am coming to love more each day for what she shows me about how life can be lived, but will help other girls just like her for many years to come. I think it is a wonderful idea!

"But will Tsutako accept it?" Sachiko asked, "I mean, along with everything else that girl has: kindness, caring, love, talent, and a lust for life that just will not quit, that girl also has a belly full of pride! Will she go along with this?"

Shimako glanced over her shoulder briefly to verify the scene she had been watching reflected in the window that she was supposedly using to look out at the night sky.

"Yes Sachiko, I believe that she will accept this," she said with a grin, turning back and giving the two a little privacy. "I believe that she will indeed accept this," she repeated with a giggle.

"Shimako-san," Sachiko asked, now with a grin all her own coming through loud and clear in her voice over the phone, "do we finally have movement in that little pet project we were trying to foster?"

"Oh, yes," Shimako giggled again, unable to avert her eyes from the scene reflected in the window, "we do indeed finally have movement, and I believe that it will only be moving forward from this point on," she finally laughed out loud. The two across the room from her were much too busy to take any notice.

-oo-

At eleven o'clock the next morning the members of the Yamayurikai called a special assembly of all students, teachers, and administrators in the Lillian Girls Academy high school division. At that meeting they announced the creation of the Rose's Scholarship for the Arts, a full, three-year scholarship which was to be given to one promising art student each year. The scholarship was to be funded by the newly established Rose Foundation, and would be administered by the head of the Shoguji Temple.

"I am extremely proud to announce," intoned the Rosa Chinensis, "that this year's scholarships are hereby awarded to second-year student Tsutako Takeshima of the Photography club . . . and first-year student Hidemi Takachi, a prize-winning young author that is also currently writing for the Lillian Kawaraban."

The two young award winners were then escorted to the stage by the Rosa Gigantea and Rosa Foetida and handed starched paper certificates, written in a beautiful calligraphy, identifying each of them as a recipient of the first ever Rose's Scholarship for the Arts.

Both girls had tears of gratitude in their eyes, but Tsutako's eyes looked not just at the Rosa Chinensis, but to a young man with long, strawberry blonde hair currently dressed as a school girl and standing in the wings with a big smile on his face.

In the darkened wings Yumi leaned over to whisper into Hiromi's ear, "You do realize that everyone is going to think that this whole thing is due solely to Sachiko-sama – the foundation, the money, the scholarships – everything! Are you alright with that?"

"Of course," he whispered back still smiling. "It's not like I'm looking for any publicity right now anyway," he said, turning to give the shorter girl a knowing grin while Yumi giggled.

"Besides," he went on, "you're missing the real point here. This is the very first joint venture between the Ogasawara family and the Takeda family! It may be a non-profit organization, and it may only be Sachiko-sama and myself, but I'm more than happy about that. Instead of being a blood-thirsty, cut-throat, go for broke business, it's a charitable organization established to provide deserving girls with a chance to make a better life for themselves," he said proudly, looking out onto the stage as Tsutako and Hidemi-san accepted the very first scholarships from an organization that had not existed just eighteen hours earlier.

Sachiko and Sayako, along with Hiromi and Chiyoko and an attorney for each family had met at a local restaurant late the previous evening. The two older women had sized each other up almost immediately and within a half hour were laughing, gossiping and swapping stories as if they were old friends. With the two families in accord the attorney's had been given their marching orders to prepare the necessary documents. Sayako stamped her seal for the Ogasawara's while Chiyoko had done so for the Takeda's. The documents were properly notarized by the restaurant owner's wife and filed with the appropriate government offices the first thing the next morning.

Hiromi was extremely proud of both families and the way they had immediately acted upon the desires of their heirs.

"Yes, Yumi-san" Hiromi repeated, "I am more than happy with this outcome. Frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way."


A/N: Finally! It took them long enough! Thanks again to everyone for reading and please feel free to comment.