Chapter 21 – Simply Sei
Sei rolled from her side to lie upon her back, gazing up at the darkened ceiling of the room. The Gigantea sisters had chatted for a while longer before eventually deciding to call it a night. After bathing separately, Shimako had insisted that Sei sleep in her bed, saying that she would use the bed that had belonged to Noriko. Not wishing to distress the younger girl further Sei had accepted the offer and even now tossed and turned in Shimako's bedroom. This must be why Noriko called me and asked if I could come and see to Shimako, Sei mused as she lay there unable to sleep. The third year university student couldn't help but see the irony in the current circumstance. Their situation so resembles what I experienced with…Shiori, just the thought of the girl's name made her heart ache. Sei couldn't help but feel like the least qualified person to help her two younger sisters. No matter how hard I try and run, will you always be there waiting for me, Shiori?
Shiori. An image appeared to dance before the prone woman's eyes of a girl with waist length dark hair and eyes that were so innocent you couldn't help but want to become lost within them. She would look different now, Sei thought as she regarded the image of her first love. The memory of the now missing girl was that of a shy smiling first year high school student still attired in her Lillian dark uniform. It had been nearly five years since last she had seen the first year student and her first love, Kubo Shiori. Five years and it still hurts this much? Unconsciously Sei raised a hand and laid it over her heart which ached for the girl she first fell in love with. I had no direction in my life at the time and I didn't even know what I wanted to do with my life. I did however know the moment I laid eyes on her that I wanted to know her better, much better. Sei, laying in the bed of her little sister, smirked in the darkness of the room. I always scoffed at the whole 'love at first sight' notion that other girls dreamed about. I never believed it was possible till I met her. One word, one glance in those eyes and I lost my heart before I even knew it. I guess it's true what they say, you never do forget your first love.
One of the largest problems with being sixteen was that you didn't know anything about love. The second largest problem was that everyone you felt comfortable talking to about it, in most cases your closest friends, were also sixteen and just as clueless about the subject. Love was an intangible item that girls tried to obtain with a near religious fever. Every one of them certain that their love was the greatest and that it would last the remainder of their lifetimes. It was normal to dream of love at that age. Not me. I wanted nothing to do with being like other girls. Sei's smirk turned into a grin. When love hit me it not only hit me hard but it knocked me on my ass as well. Thinking back to how she had been ready to give up everything for the sake of her love, Shiori, all she could do was shake her head in disbelief. I was ready to force her to give up everything as well for what I felt. I was such a fool…a selfish self-absorbed fool. Sei couldn't help but wonder, not for the first time, if she had taken their relationship slower, been more patient with her feelings for the younger girl and allowed Shiori to do the same, if things might have turned out differently. In the end she turned to her love of the Church, leaving me behind upon that train platform…I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye. The grin on Sei's face slowly slipped away as she felt guilt just as she always did when recalling Shiori and their time together. The third year university student firmly believed it had all been her fault and that her actions had frightened the younger girl away, directly into the arms of someone Sei herself could never hope to compete against, the Sisterhood. I wonder how long I would have remained sitting there if Onee-sama and Youko hadn't come and brought me home? I truly am sorry Shiori, Sei offered silently for the countless time over the last five years. Her hope was that one day she would have the opportunity to tell the other girl face to face just how truly sorry she was.
Youko, who always feels the need to meddle in her friends' affairs. Sei felt the now familiar warmth in her heart whenever she thought of her dearest friend. Meddling is perhaps her best trait, Sei mused as the corners of her mouth twitched upwards slightly. Youko, who bore the brunt of my anger and my pain as my heart was broken and slowly started to mend. The then Rosa Chinensis en Bouton had stayed by her friend's side, always pushing her to be more than she was. Never letting her just be, as that was never good enough for the dark-haired woman where her friend was concerned. Sei recalled, with a cringe, the yelling and the screaming she had thrown in Youko's face time and time again. It's still a mystery how you ever managed to put up with me. It would have been so easy to have thrown myself into your arms and just cried till no more tears would come. Sei, thinking back to that time, still couldn't understand just why she hadn't done just that. Perhaps I wanted something more for Youko…for me. Maybe subconsciously I knew even then that I didn't want her to be just a rebound, a substitute to me for Shiori. Though at the time it made no sense, she had none the less kept the budding red rose at arm's length, even though she was aware of the feelings Youko harbored for her. Feelings she herself came to reciprocate over time as her heart slowly healed. If I could only have found the strength to step past the fear of being hurt and telling her just what she meant to me.
Sei couldn't help but find humor in the fact that the first two loves in her live had turned out in the manner in which they had. I drove the first one off because I am overzealous in my love for her. The second one I keep away so that she doesn't get hurt. Sei, in her heart, couldn't help but admit it was also so that she herself didn't get hurt again as well. Shiori had left many scars, some which ran far deeper than even her closest friends realized. Sei didn't have to tell herself to know that just like Shiori, though for different reasons, Youko would always remain a What If? A possibility that would never be realized or ever fully explored. For now the former Rosa Gigantea was content with that as she valued the other's friendship far too much to risk jeopardizing it over a 'what if'.
Is it any wonder, given my track record, when it came to Shimako I was so hands off? Looking back it was easy to see that the younger girl was looking for something or someone. Sei quickly realized that if left to her own Shimako would perhaps find someone. With the harsh realities of Shiori still stinging in her own heart Sei felt a near overwhelming desire to protect the first year student. I don't want her to have to experience what I did. This, more than anything, had led her to seek Shimako out and speak with her. I was a fool, Sei admitted to herself as she recalled how she happened to inquire about Shimako in passing to Youko. I should have known that Youko would catch that interest and meddle. It's not like she could help herself after all. I don't think I've ever been as mad as I was that day, she thought while recalling the ensuing argument which took place within the meeting room after the others had left the Rose Mansion.
The last thing I had wanted for Shimako was for her to be dragged into the world of the Yamayurikai. As the days and weeks had passed though Sei had found herself more accepting of the new first year student who was assisting them. I suddenly had a reason to attend meetings and to be involved in the Yamayurikai. Even though she didn't make it obvious, Sei discreetly went out of her way to ensure that Shimako was not over working herself. Looking back Sei suddenly realized that her attention had shifted focus at that time from her past with Shiori to the present with Shimako and the other council members. Hmmm, she mused as a thought suddenly blossomed in her mind, I wonder if that was Youko's intention all along? Sei realized it would be just like her classmate to do something like that for Sei's own welfare as well as Shimako's. "Meddler." Sei whispered aloud affectionately as her heart warmed for her former classmate and dearest friend. I definitely owe you one, Youko, and a big one at that.
When the time came and Sachiko had asked Shimako to become her Petite Sœur, the White Rose en Bouton knew that she could no longer sit idly by. She had slipped into the comfortableness of a daily routine. I thought I could have the best of both worlds. I was by Shimako every day and yet I had no real responsibility for her. Sei recalled when she had first heard of Sachiko's intent to join in sœurship with Shimako. I was fearful. Not that Sachiko would do anything to harm Shimako. Sachiko could be cold and aloof at times and even down right snotty if the mood took her but she was never cruel or hurtful. I was afraid that I would lose Shimako. The very real possibility that another may come between her and the quiet and often reserved first year student sent a shiver of fear down the older girl's spine. I knew that Sachiko wasn't what Shimako needed and was looking for. Not that I was either, she thought with a soft mental chuckle. I was also jealous, she admitted though at the time she hadn't been aware of just how deep her feelings were for the younger girl. Being jealous made me possessive as well as protective. Making Shimako my Petite Sœur was the only way I could keep her closer to me and watch over her till she found the one she truly needed. Sei sighed softly in the darkened room. Noriko was the one she was waiting for.
Sei rolled over onto her side and hugged a pillow to her chest as she thought about her current situation. Katou Kei, she thought, allowing the name to roll about within the space of her mind. The two had first met when the other girl's name had been called and Sei, not really paying close attention, had thought it was her name called. The incident, at least for Sei, was quickly forgotten in the day to day grind of life at university. Still, every now and then Sei would see the other girl and wonder where she knew her from. It wasn't till that rainy day with Yumi that all the pieces fell into place. Something I'll have to thank Yumi-chan for properly, Sei mentally told herself, filing away to later see to.
The following day Kei had approached Sei at school and inquired after Yumi. Sei, who was about to have lunch invited the woman to join her. The two had sat and talked through lunch and for a considerable time thereafter. Thinking back, the girl with western features recalled that she had done most of the talking back then. I can't believe she sat there and listened to my stories about high school, Sei mused. Kei, though attending Lillian Woman's University, had not attended Lillian prior but had rather graduated high school from a co-ed public school.
Spending lunch together soon became a usual affair. Sei started walking home with the rather quiet and unimposing woman, quite content to carry the brunt of the conversation herself. She herself wasn't certain why she started doing so but as Kei didn't seem to mind or at the least didn't voice any objections she genuinely enjoyed the walks each day. Sometimes Yumi would come and join them at Kei's house for a while before going to spend time with the landlady, Ikegami Yumiko, with whom she had struck up a surprising friendship. Kei had remarked on more than one occasion how odd it was as the landlady didn't usually socialize with anyone but since meeting Yumi the elderly lady was far more friendly and open. Kei was always polite, though quiet and reserved, often smiling softly as Sei teased Yumi about Sachiko or some other details such as a stolen kisses or kisses still owed her from the younger girl. Yumi, in her third year of high school stopped coming over to visit claiming that the added class work as well as her responsibilities with the Yamayurikai left her no free time. Sei, always perceptive of the younger girl, knew something was wrong however there was little she could do without knowing the details. Though Sei suspected the issue was between Sachiko and Yumi as neither were disclosing facts to her about whatever the issue was, there was little she could do.
Sei soon fell into the routine of walking home with Kei and then remaining there to do her homework for the day. It was on a particularly warm autumn day that the two of them had been walking along the path to Kei small place and Sei, as usually had been carrying the conversation all by herself. "…and so we had Sachiko take the dress off and Yumi put it out. As we had suspected it was far too loose in the bust line for her to use it properly without showing far more service than intended," Sei recalled saying with a chuckle as she recanted the ordeal to the other woman who walked right in front of her. Kei had suddenly stopped in her tracks before her front door and turn to look at Sei with the most peculiar look upon her face. "What?" Sei had started to ask only to be silenced as Kei leaned over and kissed her upon the lips. The sudden unexpected kiss had left the former Rosa Gigantea speechless.
Kei, after releasing the captured lips turned and unlocked her front door before stepping inside. Glancing back to the stunned woman over the rim of her glasses she eyed Sei who remained frozen in place. "Coming?" she inquired.
Sei licked her lips once as she regarded the other woman with a slightly dazed expression. "Maybe," she managed to mumble almost incoherently. Kei merely grinned and turned back to continue into the residence to prepare tea for the two of them. It was still a few moments longer before Sei could manage to follow Kei into the house.
Damn if that didn't surprise the hell out of me back then, Sei recalled as she rolled over onto her other side. Latter Kei had apologized and offered, in way of excuse, that she had a migraine and really just wanted some peace and quiet and couldn't figure out a better way to shut Sei up. Sei recalled smirking her most flirtatious smile and replying, "Feel free to shut me up like that any time." Her smile and words had only garnished her a long suffering stare above the rim of the other girl's glasses before Kei had turned back to the tea she was preparing. Sei smiled warmly recalling that time as well as remembering the other woman's voice on the phone when she had called her earlier that evening to let her know she would be staying at Shimako's.
"Hey it's me," Sei had opened with upon hearing the call connect on the other end.
"I would hope so or someone has stolen your phone and does a fair impression of your voice," Kei replied with in an even tone.
Sei had chuckled softly. "Like anyone could replace me," she declared.
There was a long moment of silence before the other girl replied with, "If you say so. How's Shimako?" Kei asked cutting off whatever retort Sei was about to make.
"Not well," Sei confided. "I don't know if I can help her this time either," she continued in a worried tone.
"Just be there for her, Sei-san," Kei said. "Sometime just having someone with you is enough to keep a person from feeling all alone."
"Voice of experience?" Sei asked mustering a little humor to hide her own uncertainty.
"Sure," was the quick reply. "Why do you think I keep you around?" Kei deadpanned back.
Sei paused searching for a comeback and realized she didn't have one. It seemed more and more this was the case where the usually quiet and reserved woman was concerned. Rather than admit defeat, a tactical switch of subjects was called for she determined. "I think I'm going to stay here tonight so don't wait up for me."
"Good. I would hate to leave Shimako alone if she is hurting," Kei replied, sympathetic to the afore mentioned girl.
"She is," Sei stated in a serious tone. "I don't see a happy ending for this right now; at least not as things currently stand."
"Sometimes there just isn't one," Kei affirmed from the other end of the call. "All you can do is be there for her."
"I know," Sei replied in a resigned tone that clearly stated, even if not is words, the fact that she didn't like that fact. "I'll call you in the morning. We still have Yumi-chan's party tomorrow."
"Why don't you bring Shimako here with you in the morning and then the three of us can go together," Kei offered.
"That will give me a chance to shower and change as well so that works for me," Sei replied after a moment of thought. "Alright we'll see you in the morning. Night."
Sei tossed and turned once more as she ran through the phone call once again that had taken place earlier that evening while Shimako had been taking a bath before they had gone to bed. By asking me to come there she's making certain Shimako isn't left alone, Sei thought with a soft smile. Kei…you really are more than I deserve.
Sitting up in bed Sei listened intently for a long moment, having caught a sound now for the past several minutes. Oh my Shimako, she thought as her heart went out to the girl down the hall even as she grabbed a blanket and a pillow and scooted from the bed. On quiet feet she left the bedroom and following the soft sound of crying made her way to the bedroom at the end of the hall. Pushing the partially closed door open further she stepped into the room and crossed to the bed. Slipping onto the edge of the bed and then under the covers she gathered the weeping girl in her arms allowing Shimako to burrow into her chest as she slipped her arms around her. "Shhhh. It's alright. I'm right here," Sei told the younger girl softly in a soothing tone, even as her own stomach tied itself in knots of worry and concern for the beautiful woman in her arms. "I've got you. You're not alone. I'll always love you, Shimako. I'll always be here for you." It was some time before the weeping girl cried herself to sleep and longer still before the distraught older woman, feeling totally inadequate for the current situation, finally drifted off into a restless slumber with her arms wrapped protectively around her little sister.
-oOo-
Thump. Thump. Thump. The beating of Sachiko's heart beneath her ear was reassuring and comforting to Yumi as she lay in bed with her head resting against the older girl who still slumbered. Arms like white porcelain and as soft as cotton were draped around her protectively and possessively. The twain lay on their sides facing one another with the younger brunette's head cradled lovingly against the raven-haired woman's bosom. This is my favorite way to wake up, Yumi thought to herself, as a delicious grin graced her soft pink lips. As Yumi thought about it, the two of them always seemed to awake in each other's arms. It's like we find each other in our sleep, drawn towards one another like metal to a magnet. Where that thought at one time would have caused her to panic and blush deeply now it warmed her heart and threatened to steal her breath away. It's all like a dream…a delicious and wonderful dream. Since becoming reacquainted with each other they had awoken this way each morning. More often than not it was Sachiko protectively holding her most treasured person to her breasts and Yumi who lay snuggled into her Onee-sama's embrace.
Yumi moved her arm slipping her hand over the older girl's hip and around to the small of her back where she tenderly caressed the bare skin found upon slipping beneath the sleeping girls shirt. "Mmmm that's nice," Sachiko breathed in an earthy sultriness as she stirred still upon the edges of sleep.
Yumi smiled at the soft purr of the older woman's voice as it vibrated in her ear where it rested directly over the heart of the woman she loved. The slender girl allowed her hand to wander across the smooth soft silky back, relishing the warmth beneath her fingertips and palm. Slender fingertip trailed along the older girl's side in the barest whisper of a caress. I guess she's not ticklish, Yumi couldn't help but conclude, disappointed. It's morning and I'm lying in bed holding the woman I love, the former Rosa Chinensis suddenly realized as her hand stopped its movement and flattened against Sachiko's back possessively. Yumi chided herself, …and here I am thinking about tickling her. What I should be thinking about is, Yumi quickly cut her train of thought off as she suddenly felt her face heat into a serious blush even as she licked her lips as images of kissing Sachiko's bare back arose unbidden in her mind.
"I told you I wasn't ticklish," Sachiko said with a sleepy smirk, knowing full well what Yumi had been doing with that last pass of her hand. "You'll just have to find some other way to claim your retribution," she chuckled softly. "Then again, you're more than welcome to continue your exploration if it pleases you, Yumi," Sachiko said suggestively as she slid one silky smooth leg up along the younger girl's provocatively. Rather than feeling another soft caress as she had thought she might, instead Yumi's hand splayed across the middle of her back and drew her in tighter. "Yumi?" Sachiko inquired even as her own arms, perhaps in response to the younger girl's actions, tightened their hold upon the brunette in her embrace. Several long moments passed with no response from the brunette within her arms. Hearing a soft sniffle she shifted slightly in an attempt to see Yumi's face. The movement of her body caused the t-shirt she was wearing to shift as well. She only then felt the dampness upon the front of her shirt. Once again Sachiko attempted to lean back to see Yumi's face but was stopped as Yumi's hand upon her back pressed tighter against her, holding her in place.
"Gomen," Yumi final said just before she sniffled once more and nuzzled her face against the older woman's bosom. "I'm just being silly, Sachiko," the crying brunette confessed.
Sachiko, still sleepy and confused by Yumi's tears, tried to think of what could be upsetting the girl. They had concluded the tea ceremony yesterday and had been driven home within the same car that had brought them to the Ogasawara mansion earlier that morning. The two of them had remained next door and had enjoyed tea with Yumi's mother for a while as they sat, just enjoying the company of one another. After returning to Yumi's house they had taken a bath before calling it a night as the following day was to be extremely busy. The Yamayurikai, past and present, were coming to visit and it had been some time since the last gathering of everyone. Sachiko herself was more than a little apprehensive of seeing everyone. Since the wedding she had cut herself off from the others, mostly to spare Yumi but, if she had to be honest with herself, to also hide away from what she had done. Did I do something to upset her? Several long moments passed as she held Yumi tenderly while the crying girl attempted to regain control her emotional equilibrium once again. "Maybe if you told me what you think you're being silly about?" Sachiko offered.
Yumi just shook her head and managed to wiggle her free arm under the older woman's side to clasp round Sachiko's body and cling to her Onee-sama. "You'll just tell me to stop being silly, Onee-sama," Yumi replied, her voice slightly muffled by the older woman's shirt, sounded far younger than her current eighteen years of age.
"I promise I won't," Sachiko replied without hesitation as her arms tightened around Yumi and her head tilted forward so that she could kiss the crown of the head nuzzled into her chest.
Several minutes passed with the two women simply holding each other. "Sometimes," Yumi opened with once she had gathered sufficient courage to speak. "Sometimes I'm afraid….th…that I'll suddenly wake up and discover that this has all been a dream. Just now I had a silly thought that you were just going to vanish from my arms. That no matter what, I wouldn't be able to hold onto you!" As Yumi spoke her arms grew tighter as if even now, merely mentioning her fears might cause the raven-haired woman to vanish.
Yumi waited for the older girl to admonish her for thinking such terrible things however rather than the words she braced herself to hear she instead felt the gentle touch of her love's hand as it caressed her hair. "It's all too good to be true," Sachiko replied in an understandingly soft and thoughtful voice. "It has to be a dream," the sapphire eyed woman continued with. "How could it be possible to be this happy just from waking up in someone else's arms?" Yumi's head moved away as the younger girl shifted so that she could look up towards the older woman. "The first morning I awake and you were laying there in bed next to me I thought that my life couldn't possibly get any better than it was at that moment." Slender delicate fingers reached up and gently caressed the tears from Yumi's cheeks. "I said I hoped I hadn't kept you waiting and you told me it was worth the wait." Both women smile at the memory of just a few days ago. "I thought surely there could be nothing better than that however I was wrong as we spent the day together and awoke the next morning in each other's arms." Sachiko could feel her own eyes begin to mist up and shimmer. "I spend each day thinking it can't possibly get any better…that I can't possibly love you any more and yet each day you always do something to show me just what a fool I am to think that way. Every day is a new chance to love you all over again, my Yumi." Leaning forward Sachiko's lips found Yumi's which were rising to meet hers and the two shared a soft and tender kiss. "If this is a dream," Sachiko whispered as she leaned her forehead against Yumi's, "I pray I'll never awaken from it!"
"I…I don't think a dream could ever make me as happy as being here and in love with you makes me, Sachiko," Yumi replied with a slight stammer as she fought back tears of happiness. "No dream can ever compare to the reality of your arms around me or these soft perfect lips," she continued with as she slowly slide one finger along the curve of the older woman's luscious lips, "pressed against mine. The sound of your voice within my ears is sweeter than any bird's song as it greets the sun rise. How could any dream even come close to comparing with the reality that is Ogasawara Sachiko or the love that is within my heart for you?"
"Silly girl," Sachiko teased as a tear slipped down her cheek to disappear into the fabric of the pillow. "Making me cry first thing in the morning." Tilting her head slightly Sachiko kissed the tip of Yumi's nose even as the young brunette smiled at the older girl's words. Sachiko opened her mouth to say something else however a sudden knocking at the front door halted whatever she had to say. Sachiko's lips creased in irritation at the interruption. "I'll see who it is," she said even as she slipped from the bed and pulled on her robe. "Why don't you take a nice long bath while I prepare some tea and breakfast," the heiress offered as she walked to the bedroom door and paused to look back at the girl sitting up in the bed. "Yumi-"
"I know," Yumi replied before Sachiko could say anything else. "I love you too," she said with her heart in her warm brown eyes.
Sachiko's breath caught in her throat for a moment before she managed to push out past the lump in her throat, "In more ways than I can convey with words alone." A sudden pounding at the front door brought an end to the mood and caused the standing girl to roll her eyes in frustration. Turning from the beautiful view of the woman on the bed she walked across the room towards the front door. "This had better be so very important!" she growled in a dangerous tone only to hear Yumi giggle from the other room having heard her. The sweet sound of her Love's laughter did much to sooth her temper as she opened the front door and peered out.
"Gokigenyou, Sachiko-sama," the amused and smiling face of Yumi's Petite Sœur greeted the raven-haired woman with. "If you're awake then is it safe to assume that Onee-sama is as well?"
"Touko-chan? What are you doing here?" Sachiko enquired as she opened the door further.
"Touko-chan?" Yumi's voice called from the bedroom. "Is Touko-chan here?" the brunette asked as she wheeled herself into the living room in time to see Sachiko step to one side to allow the petite actress to enter their house.
"Sorry for the intrusion," Touko offered politely before smiling lovingly at Yumi. "Gokigenyou, Onee-sama," the reigning Rosa Chinensis offered her Grande Sœur. "I hope I didn't wake you?"
"N…no, we were awake," Yumi stammered as she felt her cheeks blush and she suddenly had trouble meeting the younger girl's eyes.
Touko regarded the wheelchair bound girl for a moment. "I see," she said with a straight face even though her own cheeks took on a slightly rosy hue. "Sayako Oba-sama sent me to invite the both of you to breakfast."
"Mother?" Sachiko asked in a disbelieving tone.
Touko simply nodded as she turned to regard her cousin. "I was awoken this morning by a phone call, at an hour that no civilized person should be forced to endure on a Sunday, from Auntie with a list of items to purchase and bring over," Touko informed the two women. "It was impressed upon me by your mother," Touko continued with casting a suffering glance at Sachiko before turning her gaze towards Yumi, "with resounding support from your mother in the background, that dawdling would be frowned upon." Touko sighed heavily, her shoulders rising and falling in accompaniment of the sound. "That was nearly two hours ago," she whined plaintively as she looked to her Onee-sama with a pitifully pleading look, her lower lip sticking out in a very childish pout.
Yumi glanced at the clock in the kitchen and noted it was still a little before seven in the morning. "You poor dear," she said to her Petite Sœur as she raised her arms and opened them wide inviting the petite girl over. Touko quickly crossed the distance between them and climbed into her Onee-sama's lap, laying her head on Yumi's shoulder even as the brunette wrapped her arms around her protectively.
Sachiko couldn't help but grin as she watched Yumi mother her younger cousin. After closing and locking the front door the sapphire eyed woman crossed the room to the two of them and leaned down placing a kiss on Yumi's cheek. "I'll bathe first," she offered. "Why don't you see if you can coax her into bed and let her nap while we get ready?" Yumi looked up with a thankful smile but then tilted her head back, demanding more than just a peck on her cheek. Sachiko, more than willing to indulge the love of her life leaned down and captured the younger girl's puckered lips with her own.
"Get a room," Touko's voice spoke from where her face was nuzzled against Yumi's neck. Sachiko chuckled and continued on into the bathroom as Yumi wheeled herself and her sleepy passenger back into the bedroom.
Author's Note:
Well, it looks like it is nearly time for the Rose reunion at Yumi's house. I think the next chapter will gather everyone together. As I am certain you know, when they all get together there is just no telling what will happen. Even I don't know and the Muse is biting her tongue apparently. Frankly I'm amazed she hasn't bitten it off as yet.
Work is insanely busy still. Don't they know the holidays are coming? Then again, perhaps that's why it's so busy. I will get another chapter out as soon as I can (read that as the Muse allows) but I have to get one or two more out for Fumetsu first…I think (glances at Muse and arches a brow but gets no indication from her)….life IS a mystery. Apparently as is the update schedule. I hope to have 1-2 more chapters out before the end of the year. Still a long ways to go story wise. Hope you enjoyed this offering.
As always, though certainly not required, I do appreciate any and all reviews.
Kind Regards,
EJ Daniels
All characters within this story, unless otherwise stated are the sole property of Oyuki Konno the original writer of the Maria-sama ga Miteru light novel series.