All the character from the original story belong to Gonzo and Juni'chi Sato.
Rosetta arrived at Cape Mery hospital first in the morning. As soon as the visits opened. She took the elevator to the 11th floor for the coma service. Sora was admitted there since yesterday. Kate was still hopeful but it was the hospital rule if a patient didn't wake up after a week. So they didn't have a choice and moved her there. She had a nice room just for herself. M. Hamilton made sure of that. The light was embracing the bed at the center. Sora was there, sleeping peacefully. At least that what you would think without knowing why she had been admitted.
The redhead changed Sora's flowers as everyday. Then she read her the fans' letters. They were all wishing for a miracle and waiting for her return to the scene of the Kaleido. "See, everyone is waiting for you. So please, wake up." She begged caressing the girl's hair.
Fortunately Sora's wasn't badly injured. If she did wake up, a few weeks should suffice to heal from her injuries. She got lucky with only a fractured arm. The left one. Manami told her Sora used her upper body to absorb the impact by making a roll to slow down when she understood what happened. Unfortunately, she was too close from the stairs and too far from the safety net to fall on it. And she couldn't avoid the impact between her head and the floor. Nonetheless the doctors were unable to predict what damages were made in her head. They warned them of a lot of possibilities. A slight amnesia was the less frightening. It was better than deficiency or loss of the ability to use language correctly. Blindness was also a possibility.
Lately, Rosetta found herself looking more and more at Sora's features. She liked what she saw. No, she loved it. But that wasn't enough. She wanted to see Sora's eyes. She wanted to hear her genuine laugh. When was the last time? She wanted to make new memories, lot of them. Just both of them. She felt like she lost her time because of blindness. Because of a veil that prevent her to understand the simple truth. The girl lying in this bed was special to her. The most special person. The one she wanted to protect. The one she wanted to stay with. For the longest. And she refused to accept it was the end. No, it was just the start. Now, she that realized everything she couldn't let it go. "Please Sora fight and I'll fight for you." She put a kiss on the girl forehead and made a sad smile. But not resigned. Just sad. "I'll come back later." And she left the room.
Sora's family followed by the Robbins came just after. Her father asked for forgiveness on his knees his head hitting the ground everytime he said the words. Yume was happy at first then disappointed to see her sister was just sleeping. Why wasn't she waking up?
As everyday, she received a lot of visits. Manami was surprised to see Archibald there too, without M. Hamilton. He explained his employer asked him to let him alone when visiting Sora. But he wanted to see the girl too. So he came at an other time. Layla was like a little sister to him and he really hoped Sora would wake up soon before she closes her heart again. Like when her mother died. Manami was surprised by the revelation. She didn't knew lost her mother so young.
"By the way, do you have any contact with any real estate agent here?" Manami asked while sitting in one the available chair in the room.
Archibald was standing at the other side, close to the windows. "Why that?"
She then explained him her situation and her difficulties to loan something as an abroad student.
"Hum.." He started while thinking deeply. "A hairdresser school you said?"
"Yeah. That's my dream."
"Well, believed it or not but it used to be mine too." Archibald revealed with an embarrassed smile.
"No way! Does Sora knows?" Manami was astonished. How can this bearded manly man could be interested hairdressing.
He stopped smiling. "No, I didn't even have the time to talk about it."
"I'm sure she knows now." Manami stood up and bent over Sora's bed. "You see, that girl is just too slow when it comes simple and social things. That's why we have to wait. She's just too dumb and clueless!" Manami finished with en encouraging smile.
Archibald got to laugh again. What's a strange girl he thought. "You should come at my office later, I might have something for you."
"Really?"
"Yes. Come at 6 pm. Now I have too leave." He looked at his watch and at Sora before leaving.
"Bye." Manami said. Then she lost her faked smile. "You better don't make me a liar! Just wake up! We all waiting."
In Layla's room, a dirty blond woman was crying all of her tears on the ground. She was still near her bed but Layla was long gone. The kiss she hoped for never happened. Layla stopped her with her hand at the last second. And she was furious. Never did she saw her ex-mistress in such fury. She for the first time feared for her life. Layla's eyes burning of rage. But her words and the strength of her grip were more hurtful. She remembered it well.
Layla was blocking her mouth with one hand and crushing her wrist with another. "You thought I would let you do that? You thought I'd betrayed her?! When did you became such a disrespectful person?" She then released Macquarie and let her fall on the floor. "You disgust me!"
The girl couldn't stop her tears. "I'm sorry! Please I'm sorry. But I love you. I loved you all those years. If I could just be in your arms just one time maybe. Then maybe." One night and she'll forget. She just wanted a little of Layla's tenderness.
Layla seemed to reflect on something and got her knees to face Macquarie. "Look at me."
The girl obeyed hopefully.
Layla smiled sadly. "I was happy to have you at my side all these years. I'll cherish those memories but now is time to a separate path for both of us." She then kissed the girl's forehead. "Farewell."
And then she disappeared.
She was there for hours when her mother finally found her. She announced that Layla left the house for good. She was staying at the hotel for the moment.
"Time will make it better." Her mother said to make her feel better. Her daughter suffered but there's nothing she could do.
Macquarie hold her mother tightly. She had to accepted the truth. Everything started that fatal night. The night she got drunk. If only she hadn't said those words in her sleep. Maybe. Then Layla would have never asked about their meaning. Or told her she was in pain and disappointed because of her. Threatening to put an end of their friendship if she didn't reveal the truth. She stayed silent in hope the incident will be forgotten. And it might have been if she hadn't saw them happy and in love.
But now it was over. Just over.
Sora could never wake up, she knew Layla would just close her heart again. Only the Japanese girl was able to open it. Only her.
The previous kaleido star was riding her bike with no aim. She just wanted to forget the reality. No focus and no problems. After a while she stopped near a cemetery. She was in front her mother's grave. Sometimes she wished to have never been in love. Maybe it would have been less hurtful. But when she remembered the past with her mother, each moment was precious. How come she didn't understand something so simple sooner? Being together, no matter what people said, no matter how they lived was well enough. And at that moment she made a promise for the future. But half of it depended on someone else. She breath heavily and put back her helmet with more resolve.
When she arrived in front Sora's door she hesitated. Will her pleads be heard this time? She didn't know what she will do or become if the girl never wake up. However when she came inside, her sleeping beauty had still her eyes closed.
Sora seemed at peace. Layla kissed her lightly on the lips as she used to everyday since she came back hastily from New-York. Her understudy had to finished the last performances of her Broadway play. When she heard the word coma she could not keep on and stay professional. The old Layla would probably be ashamed her and deceived but she didn't care. The only thing that matters was in front her. "Please wake up. I..." She got closer the Sora's ear and whispered something while stroking her hair. "I won't fail my words. That's a promise, so don't abandon me."
She stayed as long as she could just looking at her. She could do that for years and never get bored. But she needed to see her vivid eyes and hear a gleeful laugh. She was ready to give up on everything just for to create new memories with the girl she loves. The only one she could love for this life and any other. She would always seek for this one girl. There was no reason behind. She loved her because it was Sora. Simply Sora. It could only be Sora.
Layla kissed her hair a last time before leaving when she felt something. She didn't dare to hope. But she looked down and she saw them. Bright brown eyes fixing her. She could not stop the tears to flow. The miracle she begged for did happened.
Sora eyes showed her confusion. "Why are you crying?" She looked from right to left and noticed the hospital room. "Why I am here?"
But Layla was still too shocked to answer her questions.
So, the Japanese girl tried to reach her face with her left hand but something prevented it. She felt a terrible pain. "Aah!"
The cry got Layla out of her stasis. "Don't move your left arm! It took all the strength of the impact." She was still bewildered and needed to touch Sora's face to be sure she was not dreaming. She examined the girl's features for a moment and then got closer for a gentle kiss on her mouth. And Sora's positive response finished to convinced her. It was real. She was awake. Fully awake. "I missed you so much." She said with more tears.
Sora stared at her surprised at first. Layla could be passionate but she rarely used this kind of words because she rarely showed her deep feelings. Then she looked again at the room and her left arm before it hit her. She remembered everything. Her sudden fall and the inevitable impact on the ground and against the wall. She looked up surprised at Layla. "Am I alive? Or-"
"Yes you are. You're with me. We are together and I won't let anything or anyone get in the way." Layla swore holding the girl in her arm. "I-"
But she couldn't finished her sentence as Kate opened the door. "I noticed a change in her en-" She interrupted herself when she saw Sora sitting in her bed with Layla at her side. And she smiled. As much for the girl than her fiance. Jerry cried every night since the bad news.
Kate examined her and made some tests to be sure everything was good outside her arm. Layla stayed near her the all time and never stopped to stare at her girlfriend as if she was afraid she would disappeared if she even blinked.
"Well, it seems I could discharge you as soon as in three days. But you need help. First because of your arm. Second because of a week of coma is not without consequences for your mental state. Being alone is unadvised." Kate recommended still checking some results. "Your parents are there but how long are they staying at their hosts' house? A crowded place is not counseled either."
"She will stay with me!" Layla stated firmly, holding Sora's hand.
Kate was a little taken aback by her tone. "I heard your house is crowded too."
"My father's house. I can find a new apartment in three days."
The information amazed Sora. "We will live together? Just the two of us?"
"Yes." Layla answered as if it was nothing. "That's what you wanted?" She checked with Kate.
The doctor observed Sora who was blushing to the point she was afraid she could faint. "I guess that's the best solution." Something was strange but she was afraid to ask. "I'll call your family. Even if the visiting hours are closed, they can see you for a little moment. Then -and I know it sound foolish- then you'll have to get some sleep."
Kate's last words put some fear on Sora. "Can Layla stay with me for the night?" She asked with a pleading voice clenching on Layla's hand harder.
It was normally against hospital's rules. "Just tonight."
Sora thanked her gratefully and she swore she heard a weak thank you from Layla's lips when she left the room.
Then Layla turned Sora's face to contemplate it longer. She traced her fingers on all of her features to be sure she was there. She feared to never be reassure. Even after years. "I won't ever let you leave my sight." She warned. "Forgive me. Forgive me for all the pain I caused you before." She hold her girlfriend closer and hold her tightly.
Sora understood why she asked for forgiveness and started to cry too. "I forgive you." Nothing more needed to be said in that moment.
When her family arrived, Layla preferred to hide in Kate's office. The Naeginos made it clear they didn't like to see her visiting their daughter. She wasn't surprised a bit. What did startle her was that they didn't out them yet but then Cathy suggested their Japanese side probably prevent them to create any scandal. At least they didn't ignored their daughter.
The Robbins came with them but Kate refused anyone outside the family. She first explained it using Sora's state. The girl just had woken up and was still weak physically. But when the Robbins insisted she just pushed them back, tired of being understanding.
Inside Sora's room, Yume was enjoying her sister warm. She made confused eyes showing her left arm.
"Ah, that!" Sora said touching said arm. "Well, Onee-san was not careful and fell. Now I can't play for a long time. So don't do the same!" She added pinching her sister cheeks.
Yume's laugh lighten the mood of their parents. They were unsure of what to said. Especially her father who felt so guilty. But they couldn't talk about it yet. It wasn't the moment. Now was not the moment for any reproach. So they just cried and embraced their daughters. The family was finally reunited.
When they left, Layla could join her. Soar smiled widely when she saw her. "Come here." She said showing her bed.
Layla obliged and jumped in the bed. Sora put her head on her chest still smiling. "Did you really mean what you said earlier?"
"About what?" She promised a lot of things today.
"Leaving together." Sora precised.
"I won't let you out of my sight. Night and day. Even if you complain." Layla said stroking her hair and holding her closer.
"I'm not!" Sora replied. She didn't thought she could sleep after hearing such news. They were moving in together for god sake!
Then they spoke about what kind of place they wanted to live. Of course it needed to be near the Kaleido stage. At the same time Layla wanted something calm. Then Sora thought about something. "Are we saying the truth about us to everybody?"
"Not yet. You need calm to heal. And I want to see if Sarah's plan works before."
"What plan?" Sora questioned puzzled.
"Today is not the day to talk about it. And I prefer to let Yuri tell you about it. Let's sleep. You need to even if you don't want it." Layla commanded.
Sora wanted to protest but she was too comfy in Layla's arms.
The next day, the news spread quickly everywhere.
Léon called first in the morning and promised to come back in the first plane. But Sora asked him to enjoy his time with his friends. He compromised by shorting his stay for a week instead of two. He needed to see her as soon as possible.
Anna and Mia spoke with her through Vince's phone. She could even see them thanks to its camera feature. Mia planned to pass to Cape Mery next week before leaving for Amsterdam despite the detour. She wanted to see her friend. Anna would just come back sooner.
Sora was embarrassed to short her friends vacations.
"Well you're kind of a miracle. Maybe we should make you a shrine and gain some money! Ah! Why-" Jy-Sung touched his arm Vince just pinched.
Sora laughed. She found their friendship quite endearing.
When Kalos entered he didn't show any feelings, keeping his glasses. "You put us in big troubles."
"I'm sorry boss." She said smiling. She knew the man real feelings. He was probably one of the most worried people.
"Hum. Well don't take too much time lazing. We have a lot of new projects. When will get back at training?" He asked.
"A month probably."
Yuri breathed loudly. Just in time for the first training sessions.
"Can't you make it quicker?"
"Kalos! She just woke up. Your star is alive. Be satisfied and stop hiding your emotions." Sarah hit him in the stomach and forced him to removed his glasses.
He put them back quickly but Sora had time to see his red eyes. Sometimes she envied Sarah for being able to see Kalos in his weak times. But then he wouldn't be the director they knew.
Yuri kissed her in the forehead gently before wishing her a good recovery. "Then I'll need your talents." He whispered leaving.
Later, Manami came strangely escorted by Archibald. She explained that he help her with her new job. She will work with the make-up team at the stage. He even got her room in the kaleido dorms.
"So we will work in the same place?" Sora asked with surprise.
"It seems so. That way I can help you when you need it." She answered smirking.
"Well I heard someone will already take care of you?" Archibald said with a wink.
Sora couldn't stop a blush that puzzled Manami.
"Yeah." She said in a timid voice. "Layla is looking at an apartment for us."
"What!?" Manami shouted. "But- but- Does your family know?"
Sora shook her head. Of course they didn't know yet. She'll have to tell them but Layla told her to wait for the last moment.
Archibald grinned. The situation wasn't easy.
"I see." Then Manami thought about something. "Wait! If you'll leave together, does that mean you two will sleep in the same..." She couldn't say the last word. She was still uneasy about it.
"I hope so." Sora stated with no shame. She wasn't blushing either. She loved to sleep with Layla and even more when they had sex. She just wished Layla would let her taking charge. But she was still inexperienced and afraid to not please her the way Layla did satisfied her.
Archibald laughed with no restrains while Manami had a shocked face. Then he helped her to leave her stasis before waving goodbye.
Rosetta's visit was the strangest one. May was with her and like Kalos she said the contrary of what she thought. Sora appreciated it oddly. Rosetta, on the other hand, was more clingy than ever. She jumped on Sora's bed and kissed her all over her face. Even May made a disgusted face. "Stop putting saliva on a walking dead."
"It's none of your business! Leave us alone!" Rosetta demanded.
"Yeah, yeah. Have fun with your new dog." May joked. "Don't fall again or I will take your place for good!" She warned Sora who just smiled as a response and opened the door to quit the room.
Now they were alone.
Therefore, Rosetta was on the bed holding her. "I was so afraid of loosing you."
Sora took pity and let her come closer. The redhead put her head on her neck deeply. She needed to scent Sora's natural perfume to be reassured. The Japanese girl was a little uneasy but didn't know why. "I'll never leave your side again."
"Get out!" A female menacing voice shouted.
Both Rosetta and Sora were startled and glanced at the new guest. Actually, new guests. Layla just entered with her father and Cathy Tilmore.
"I said get out!" Layla repeated more calmly but still annoyed. It was ridiculous to react like that but the sight of another girl in her girlfriend's arms in the same bed just made her body boiled.
"Hum, Rosetta can you.." Sora asked nicely. She didn't understand Layla's anger but preferred to avoid it.
Rosetta complied unwillingly and jump out the bed but stayed in the room despite Layla's stare she chose to ignore.
Richard Hamilton found the scene quite funny but he wasn't here for that. "Sora, I'm glad to see you well. I hope it's the last time I see you in any hospital." He wished her while giving her flowers.
"Thanks, Richard. I hoped it too." She hummed the flowers slowly. It was a nice scent. They probably were fresh from the garden.
"Yes. We're mostly happy to not see this one mopping around as if it was the end of the world." Cathy added jokingly. Almost. She only came after she finished her work at New-York but the few days she was in Cape Mery exhausted her. She would have been depressed if it wasn't for the cabaret play.
M. Hamilton stayed a little time and shared some news while Layla and Rosetta were staring at each other. Or more precisely while Layla responded to Rosetta's glare.
"Did you know that your father buy back the Kaleido?" Sora asked surprised.
"He signed then told me." Layla shrugged. That wasn't the more important information. She feared Sora's opinion when she will hear about the cabaret. Suddenly she took something from her bag. "I have a few flat pictures. I thought you'd wanted to look at them."
"Of course! I can't wait to leave this room!" Sora started to looked at the pictures quite excited.
"You're moving out?" Rosetta asked bewildered.
"Yes! Layla and I are moving in one of these flat." She answered thrilled while showing the pictures.
But Rosetta didn't share her happiness.
"I am sad and delighted at the same time." M. Hamilton noticed. "You'll visited me from time to time I hope?"
"If you are not in a business trip." Layla stated looking at her phone. She had appointments for some flats today. She wanted to sign the lease as soon as possible and buy furniture right after.
"Ha! Ha! I'm guilty. Well!" He stood up from his chair. "Unfortunately, I still have some meetings for the day." He put a kiss on Sora's head and looked at her closely. He was too proud to show it but he was relieved. For Sora and Layla. "Don't fall again or this one could tear the world apart." He said with a sincere smile. "Good bye Sora."
"Good bye Richard."
After he left, Layla asked for Sora's preference about the flat.
Sora gleefully showed her her favorite and Layla smiled looking at it. She kind of knew it'll be the one. She actually made an appointment for the afternoon. "Then that's where we'll live."
"Really!"
"Yes."
"Oh Layla I'm so happy!" Sora who was sitting on her bed jumped on her arms forcing Layla to bend down a little.
"Don't do that. You're still weak." Layla scolded.
"Sorry. I'm just too happy." Sora responded still staring at the picture of their future home. Cathy asked to see it too before also leaving. She had a date with Kalos.
Layla just smirked proudly. It was just the start to give joy to Sora.
Rosetta was pouting but didn't say a word.
Then Layla glanced at her watch. "Kate told me your parents would come just before noon. They had an appointment to the police hall. I should leave now. Afterward I'll visit the apartment and do other things that can't wait."
"When will you get back?" Sora inquired, worried. How long will Layla hide from her family.
"As soon as I can. I promise."
"Then kiss me." Sora demanded.
Layla looked amused but she complied. The kiss was slow and tender at first but Sora wanted more. It been such long time since they were that intimate. Sora was putting her hand on Layla's neck to deepen their kiss when they heard a cough.
It was Rosetta who was still near the windows. They both forgot her. And it didn't please the redhead.
"Sorry."
"No need to apologize. No one force her to look or stay." Layla stated with a cold voice.
"Layla! I made everyone worried for a whole week. Rosetta is still young s-"
"I'm not!" Rosetta protested heavily. She hated not being taken seriously. Especially now.
Sora just smiled after Rosetta's outcry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way."
But Layla had enough. "I already told you there is no need to apologize." She hold Sora's chin firmly and kissed her again, for long.
And despite her discomfort Sora responded to the kiss with the same hunger.
After what seemed a while for Rosetta, Layla finally put an end to kiss and quit the room. But Sora still had stars in her eyes and a wide smile.
It really wasn't fair she thought.
Then a voice interrupted them. "Beware girls. Or you won't succeed in the next challenge."
"Fool! Where have you been?" Sora asked surprised by the spirit stage presence.
"Here and there. I have big responsibilities you know." He said crossing his arms and nodding with his head. "A busy man."
"A busy pervert you mean." Sora added sarcastically. Then something seemed to bother her. "Wait! Where were you when I was here? Was he with you?" She asked to Rosetta.
The redhead shook her head. "No. I hardly saw him lately."
Sora made an angry face to Fool who playing the innocent man. "Were you in my room with Manami?"
The stage spirit started to fly all over the hospital room with no aim. It likes he was in a bliss. "Ha! Ha! Ha! She has the nicest body. Maybe Layla should switch between the two of you." He suggested still dreaming.
Sora's anger grew and felt rapidly. Doubts hit her.
Rosetta noticed it. "Don't listen to him. You have a nice body. And-" She couldn't believe she was saying it. "And I'm sure Layla would never want to touch any body but yours."
The words seemed to have some effects as the Japanese girl looked more confident.
The spirit stage showed his tongue to Rosetta as a protest. "Ah before I forget I have a new prediction."
"And why should we listen? You couldn't predict my accident." Sora said skeptically.
"Because I didn't try to read your future but I did when you were sleeping. And that why I wasn't worry." Foll explained.
"And what is it?" Sora inquired.
"It was the Death card."
"What! And you didn't worry?" Rosetta reproached him.
"Wait for the meaning Rosetta." Sora replied. "What is the meaning Fool?"
"A door is closed, another is opened."
But Sora didn't have the time to reflect on his words. The door opened and her family entered.
Hi, everybody.
Thanks to my guest reviewer and thanks to others for reading the story.
See you in two weeks.