A/N: Hi I'm alive, well barely. I have some sort of a throat infection with high fever and such so yeah, writing when dizzy wasn't easy. Finding medicines in this country is quite the adventure. Anyhow, here's the chapter that was supposed to be released on Monday. I hope you don't get confused, it is quite interesting and bear with me I read it only once so if you find a lot of errors just remember, the author is still sick and trying to publish.
Meylahalfrenza: Here's more! Thanks for reading.
Maria: Las vacaciones son en el siguiente capítulo, ya casi.
Guest: I'm glad you liked the previous chap. My Sachiko is a little more loyal to the Fukuzawas because she was raised as one. Y&S 4eva, lol.
Dinnca: La mama de Sei es la mala de esta historia, de eso no hay duda pero todos mis personajes originales darán mucho de qué hablar, ya verás. Sachiko es alguien madura y centrada de eso no hay duda y las medidas que tomó son razonables, eso creo. Agarré una infección en la garganta ahora y sin medicinas en este país esta difícil que me cure pronto pero ahí voy, al menos la fiebre ya está siendo menos frecuente, gracias por preguntar.
VolpineGrinz: Lol good that you caught up with the story. I'm glad you enjoyed chap 19 and I love my Sei I think I have developed her in a very interesting way. Oh and about the spoilers: well you just have to wait and read hehehe, sorry can't spoil the story but I can tell you that I have a draft for several chapters done, I just need to get better and sit to write. Thanks for reading.
Sticky: Glad you are reading my story, I hope you enjoy all the tweaks I added.
Yhanchin: Sei's mom is like the mother-in-law from hell, I feel sorry for Youko, not! Lol. Sachiko is opening more and I am really glad about that because she is so tough to write sometimes but we are getting there, the good stuff is finally coming. I'm still sick but don't worry I'll continue writing but maybe not posting on time.
Author recommends: Read it slowly, oh and there are some new characters around [this story is crowded].
Enjoy!
Masks
"Onee-sama I think this one will look good on you, I made it myself" a young blonde handed a sparkling 'phantom of the opera' mask to the older senpai. The reason, it was part of the props for the play the Yamayurikai was performing for the school festival this year. Ogara Saki was in charge of the props and her onee-sama, Ogasawara Sayako was selected as the phantom of the opera for the play.
"It fits perfectly, thank you Saki, you are very diligent" Sayako smiled tenderly and tilted her head while caressing her petite soeur's cheek.
"Onee-sama I…love y…" the blonde girl was about to say something when another voice interrupted her.
"Beautiful" it wasn't more than a whisper but this mere word interrupted the sisterly moment and a blushing Sayako turned her half covered face and her smile widened.
"Do you really think so, onee-sama?" Sayako turned around and looked how her fairy approached her. Fukazawa Miki was dressed as the opera singer the phantom idolized. The two girls were the main characters of the play.
"Eh…ah…" Miki nodded and blushed deeply and Sayako giggled. Rosa Chinesis and her en bouton were like that, they loved to tease and flirt with each other. When the two of them were next to each other, the rest of the world vanished and sadly, that also included the youngest member of the red rose family, Ogara Saki.
"I like your dress onee-sama" Sayako helped Miki with her gloves while tracing her delicate fingers over the brown haired girl arms and her blush now covered her whole face.
"You look handsome as my phantom as well, Sayako" Miki stepped forward and caressed her petite soeur's cheek, the one that was not covered by the mask. Sayako blushed even more but didn't step back, instead she moved forward. Their faces were getting closer; they could feel each other's breaths tickling their upper lips.
"You sinners, at least get a room" Kobayashi Mari the current Rosa Gigantea exclaimed entering the props room "or go to a more private place, you even forgot that your little Saki-chan was here"
"Or to lock the door for that matter" added the smiling Rosa Gigantea en bouton, Mizuno Miyoko while closing the door behind them.
Miki and Sayako separated from each other embarrassed. They were so into each other that they tended to forget everything around them, they definitely needed to be more aware of their surroundings.
"We were…rehearsing" Miki uttered with fake confidence, nobody fell for that.
"Sure and I believe in unicorns and Miyoko here can breathe fire" Mari chuckled while the red rose and her en bouton rolled their eyes.
"Rosa Foetida and her en bouton are waiting for you to make the proper modifications to the clothes you are wearing" Miyoko stated while turning to Saki that had an unreadable expression "at least Saki-chan is ready"
"But you two need to go before Emiko comes and yell at you two" Mari chuckled even more when Rosa Chinesis and her en bouton shivered at the name. Emiko, the current Rosa Foetida was very strict and became easily hysterical when things didn't go as she planned.
Miki took Sayako's hand and rushed towards the dressing room where Emiko and her soeur were waiting impatiently. Mari and Miyoko followed chuckling leaving Saki all alone in the props room.
As soon as the door closed, Saki lost it. That was the first time she couldn't control her emotions regarding her sister and onee-sama. She absolutely loved her older sister Ogasawara Sayako. At first, she didn't know they were related but, in the moment her mother told her the story of her real father, Ogasawara Akira and how similar her last name was to Sayako's, Saki realized that there must be some sort of connection.
The moment Ogara Saki entered Lillian she wanted to meet the one that took it all from her, the not recognized girl. The bastard child of Ogasawara Akira wanted to meet her half sister, Ogasawara Sayako.
But she wasn't prepared to fall for the elegant but approachable lady Sayako was. And the blonde was really surprised when Rosa Chinesis en bouton asked her to become her petite soeur, because that was not part of her plan of making Sayako's life miserable, instead, she became part of the Yamayurikai and her sister by bond.
Now she craved for her sister's attention and took each little opportunity to get closer to her. And then, without noticing it, she fell in love with her onee-sama.
Saki definitely had mixed feelings for her half sister and the fact that Sayako didn't know about them being related made Saki mad and, at the same time, happy.
She could easily take advantage and make Sayako fall for her but there was certain someone she didn't take into account, a brown haired girl that was the head of her rose family.
Fukuzawa Miki, Rosa Chinesis.
Saki knew how Sayako and Miki felt about each other but she also could tell that they would never act on their feelings. They were not brave enough for that, she thought.
The youngest red rose member took some of the props that they were not going to use and started smashing them. She was very upset. She hated it when Rosa Chinesis approached her onee-sama this much; it made her feel jealous and angry.
"She's mine, onee-sama is only mine" the blonde repeated to herself as an infinite mantra while pacing and kicking some of the boxes that lay around.
She spend the last fifteen minutes smashing and destroying everything that she could get a hold of, Ogara Saki was very frustrated because she wanted to get Sayako's attention the way Fukuzawa Miki got it effortlessly.
In the middle of her outburst she didn't realize how, from the highest shelf a box with samurai masks fell hitting her in the head and she instantly lost consciousness.
Saki opened her eyes and everything turned white. She looked at her right and, on the corner there was a white armchair. She turned her sight to the left and there was a white nightstand and on top of it, a white vase with white roses.
Gigantea roses…
"I prefer Chinesis roses" Saki whispered to herself, seconds later the white door was pushed open and a doctor entered the room.
"How do you feel, Saki-sama?" her gentle psychiatrist asked politely.
"Tired" the blonde woman whispered and closed her eyes.
"I will give you some sedative so you can rest for the night" the psychiatrist continued "when you wake up we will discuss about changing your medication" the gentle woman injected some beige liquid into Saki's IV "the ones you were taking are not working on you anymore"
"Fine doctor" Saki blinked several times before closing her eyes again and the doctor left the room.
"I love you onee-sama" whispered the blonde woman before falling asleep once again.
The first morning signs appeared with birds chirping and the sun slowly rising. Azure orbs opened lazily and she stifled a yawn. The dark haired girl didn't want to move from her comfy position. There she lay surrounded by Yumi's arms in a very cozy embrace. Sachiko looked up and her lips formed a tender smile. There she was, the love of her life smiling in her sleep with a peaceful and content expression.
There is no doubt.
I love Yumi.
Last night Sachiko broke down on Rosa Chinesis en bouton's arms. Although she wasn't proud of that fact, she also knew that the only person that the younger girl would allow to witness how broken she was at that moment was Yumi.
She will always be close to my heart…Sachiko smiled and sighed blissfully, she was the happiest she could be right now despite the craziness that surrounded them lately.
"A penny for your thoughts" it wasn't more than a whisper but Sachiko heard her beloved sweet voice and shivered, Yumi's lips were very close to one of her ears.
"I was just thinking about last night, Umi" voiced the younger girl with a small smile.
"Too many shocking news in this short amount of time"
"You know me well" Sachiko replied blushing slightly.
"Don't worry my love" Yumi gave the younger girl a peck on the lips "everything is going to be fine"
"I know my Umi" Sachiko blushed more "and thank you"
"You have nothing to thank me for, my Chiko-chan" Yumi kissed Sachiko softly and caressed her cheek slightly "I care about you and I want you to be happy"
"I am when I am with you, Umi" Sachiko blushed even more, being this soft made her feel embarrassed.
"Oh, by the way, what are you planning for the rest of our vacation, Chiko-chan?" Yumi asked the dark haired girl curiously.
"Well, I want to…" Sachiko replied blushing crimson red and covering her face with the blanket and Rosa Chinesis en bouton giggled.
Sachiko can be so cute at times…
Yumi took the blanket and pulled it from Sachiko, succeeding on uncovering her head until the nose. Smiling brown locked with cute looking azure and Rosa Chinesis en bouton smiled.
"To…?"
"be alone with you Umi" Sachiko whispered with a big flush.
"Well, you have a summer house now" Yumi smiled tenderly
"We" the dark haired Fukuzawa pouted.
"We?" Yumi asked confused
"Whatever I own is yours too, my Umi" Sachiko added confidently.
"But…" the older Fukuzawa pouted.
"No buts" the younger girl gave a peck on the lips to the older one who blushed.
"I mean…" Rosa Chinesis en bouton wanted to argue but was interrupted by her sister.
"My decision is final, Umi" the dark haired Fukuzawa stated firmly.
"Fine" Yumi sighed defeated and Sachiko smiled smugly.
"Anyhow, I'm planning on going to our summer house and spend a few days there…together" Sachiko blushed again and Yumi kissed the top of her nose.
"Sounds great but mommy would be mad if we don't invite our friends"
"That is why we will Umi"
"Oh…"
"But we will also spend a day by ourselves first and another after everybody leaves"
"That's clever" Yumi added
"I am smart" Sachiko raised her head proudly
"And arrogant" Rosa Chinesis en bouton giggled
"Hey! That is mean" Sachiko pouted slightly and Yumi kissed her softly and the younger girl complied. After sharing some long and sweet kisses, Rosa Chinesis en bouton showed her beloved her best puppy eyes, they never fail.
"Sorry, Chi~ko~chan"
"You are forgiven but on one condition"
"Do tell" Yumi replied while running a hand through Sachiko's hair
"I want more kisses" a deeply blushed Sachiko whispered so quietly that Yumi had a hard time trying to understand what the younger girl said but, her flushed face betrayed her.
"Aww my sweet Sachiko" Yumi kissed Sachiko over and over until both giggled "you can have as many as you want, they're only yours my love" they shared another long and sweet kiss when Rosa Chinesis en bouton's buzzing phone interrupted the sweet moment. Sachiko groaned and Yumi giggled.
"Breakfast's ready and…" the brown haired girl's eyes widened "onee-sama is here"
"Oh…" Sachiko replied surprised.
"With Sei-sama" Yumi added amused, she knew that her beloved wouldn't like that piece of information.
"Great" Sachiko added sarcastically and rolled her eyes. The smiling older girl stood up and waited for her dark haired love to do the same.
"Let's have breakfast then, Chiko-chan" offered a smiling Yumi while putting the futon back. The dark haired girl folded the blanket and put the pillows away.
"Sure Umi" Sachiko smiled and entwined her fingers with Rosa Chinesis en bouton's and walked out of the greenhouse towards their house.
"Oh, the lovebirds are finally here" Rosa Gigantea exclaimed amused while Sachiko and Yumi entered the kitchen.
"Good morning onee-sama, Sei-sama" Yumi greeted bowing slightly.
It is certainly too early in the morning to deal with the Gigantea…the dark haired girl sighed slightly annoyed before greeting her seniors.
"Gokigenkyou Rosa Chinesis, Sei-sama" Sachiko bowed deeply.
"I am a rose too and your cousin, you know" the blonde pouted and Yumi giggled.
"Before you start nagging on my future granddaughter" Youko started in a serious tone "why don't you extent the invitations?" Rosa Chinesis glared at Rosa Gigantea before continuing "which is actually the reason we are here for, after all"
"You are no fun, dear" Sei grinned while Youko blushed a bit "So yeah, we are here to invite you to a party this evening and it is a masquerade" the blonde white rose handed the invitations to the Fukuzawas "all of the Yamayurikai will assist so I hope to see you there too" Sei winked at Yumi who blushed embarrassed.
"It is a formal gala then" Sachiko wondered and then turned to Yumi "we need gowns"
"I actually can help with that, I have several dresses than can fit both of you" Youko offered with a smile "I will not allow my petite soeur and our future youngest member to dress inappropriately"
"Thank you very much, Onee-sama" exclaimed Yumi gratefully.
"And I have the perfect masks for you my dear daughters" Miki entered the kitchen holding a wooden box.
"Morning mommy" Yumi greeted happily
"Good morning mom" Sachiko bowed respectfully.
"Gokigenkyou dears" Miki placed the wooden box and opened the lid slowly. The four girls' eyes widened at the sight.
"Those are beautiful mommy" Yumi traced with her fingertips the outline of one of the masks.
"Did you make them, mom?" Sachiko asked curiously.
"Well girls, let me pour some tea first so you can have breakfast and then I'll give you some explanations about the masks" Miki turned to the white and red roses "Are you joining us, girls?"
"We have already eaten, Miki-sama" Sei replied.
"But we would like some tea so let me help you" the short haired girl offered.
"You're as kind as your mother was when she was your age, Youko-chan" Rosa Chinesis blushed slightly; it was uncommon for her to hear praises comparing her to the attorney.
Youko poured tea while Miki served her daughters breakfast. She also placed a plate with some cookies for her guests.
"Now that we are settled" Miki sipped her tea and sighed quietly "let me tell you the story of those masks, it all started with the school festival…"
After the success of the 'Phantom of the opera' play, the Yamayurikai had a masquerade ball to celebrate the occasion. The boys from Hanadera that helped out were also invited and wearing a mask was mandatory, of course. Part of the Chinesis family decided on making their own, specifically Sayako and Miki.
They wanted to surprise each other so, an hour before the masquerade they exchanged masks. Sayako made a peach-colored butterfly shaped mask decorated with sparkling crystals while Miki made a purple mask with small crystals and a touch of silver glitter that contrasted beautifully against Sayako's fair skin.
They proudly wore the masks along with elegant dresses, black in the case of Sayako and salmon pink in the case of Miki.
"Sayako, you look beautiful"
"Thank you onee-sama, the mask you made for me was lovely" Sayako tilted her head and gave Miki a warm smile who blushed deeply but was hidden by her white mask.
"I love the one you made for me but, why the butterfly shape?"
"Be…because you are my fairy" Sayako blushed and turned around to leave when she was stopped by arms encircling her waist, it was Miki.
"Thank you…" was the only Rosa Chinesis could utter.
I wish I could tell you that I love you…
Both girls thought at unison.
"So yeah…" Miki sighed at the memory "those are the masks Sayako and I used that day and now you can use them" the Fukuzawa matriarch caressed the box with love "all of our masks that the Yamayurikai used on the masquerade are in these wooden boxes for better preservation"
"Thank you mommy" Yumi smiled.
"It would be my honor to use this mask mom" Sachiko hugged Miki for a few seconds.
After they finished breakfast the four teenagers plus the Fukuzawa matriarch shared a second cup of tea and pastries.
As usual, they didn't notice a third person that entered the room and Ogara Saki tore apart the red mask she had secretly made for her onee-sama; she was once again ignored when Rosa Chinesis received all of Sayako's undivided attention.
The blonde girl knocked on the open door making Miki jump back and release Sayako. After that, the three members of the red rose family headed to the auditorium, now decorated to hold the masquerade.
It was the first and only time that Ogasawara Sayako and Fukuzawa Miki danced together and they synchronized perfectly, they were simply meant to each other.
Every time they were close to confessing their feelings, Saki was there to stop them. She wouldn't allow that the love of her onee-sama was focused on somebody else's than her.
"You should love me" whispered Saki to herself every time she decided on interrupting them.
I adore you onee-sama, don't you see?...
Saki opened her eyes again; the white room was even brighter than before giving it an eerie look. Through the white curtains sunlight filtered making the whole room shine.
"I hate this room" the blonde woman sighed while sitting on the bed.
She knew why she was there but she didn't remember her actions, she suffered from blackouts every now and then and that was probably because her medication was not effective anymore.
Saki got off bed and approached the window. As she moved the curtain, she saw the garden and the rose bushes she enjoyed to take care.
I need to remind the gardener to check on them…
The windows had bars and the walls were cushioned, she felt like a crazy woman in a mental institution and that annoyed her, well annoyed was a soft word to describe her fury but she had to keep her emotions under control, tonight was the masquerade and she needed to look normal if she wanted to assist.
When the door opened with a soft crack she didn't even bother to look back, she knew who the person was.
"Good morning Saki-sama"
"You are older than me, sensei" The blonde turned to look at the doctor "and I am supposed to treat you with a more respectful tone according to Lillian traditions"
"We are not at Lillian anymore" the doctor pointed out.
"It is true but" Saki walked from the window and sat on the bed "I would like to address you that way, it makes me feel more at ease"
"Fine, Saki-chan" the doctor sat on a white armchair and opened her notepad "let's talk about last night but first take your new medication"
"Of course Rosa Foetida" the blonde woman smiled before leaning her back on the headboard. The doctor observed how she took the two pills and swallowed them with the help of a glass of water.
The patient is having reminiscent recollections about her time at high school. Her personality is bordering a relapse or an enormous improvement; close observation recommended…the doctor wrote on her notepad.
After discussing what happened the prior night for the most part of an hour, and making the clinical decision that it was not Saki's doing but medicine lack of effect, Dr. Emiko decided on releasing her patient. She would attend the party and keep a close eye on the blonde woman, after all.
While Sei was drinking tea with the Fukuzawas a soft buzz on her personal phone caught her attention and she excused herself to use the bathroom.
As soon as she closed the door behind her, she withdrew her phone and sat on the closed lid of the toilet. There was a message from her mother's doctor who also was part of the security department.
'From: 03
To: 01
Message: Situation controlled
Current status: Yellow lime turning into green lemon in a couple of hours.
Suggested actions: If green lemon detected, she could be allowed to assist the party.'
Sei read the message and rubbed the bridge of her nose, she was exhausted but after the masquerade, things would be a little more peaceful, she hoped. She wrote a quick reply in the same professional note as the one she received. The psychiatrist was the only one allowed to contact her to this phone; the other matters would be solved through her work phone.
'From: 01
To: 03
Message: I'm satisfied with the results. I authorize her assistance to the masquerade along with you as her medical support.'
As soon as the small window of 'message encrypted and sent' appeared on her phone Sei didn't stop staring at the gadget.
"Well" Rosa Gigantea chuckled "they said that you would never look on the obvious places so I guess we will all be fine" with a last amused sigh she left the bathroom and joined the others for tea at the Fukuzawa household.
As soon as Dr. Emiko got home she dialed a number from a secure phone hidden in her studio.
"The queen is free and the pawns are moving to position" the auburn haired doctor stated. She loved the chess allusions, she had taught Sei about chess, after all.
"Understood" replied a familiar voice "the other pieces will move accordingly" the voice on the other line replied before finishing the conversation. The doctor stared at the phone for a few moments before turning it off and putting it back on a secret compartment in one of her drawers.
Dark eyes concentrated on a framed picture that portrayed all her family, her four sons, her husband and her new born child, the only girl besides her.
We were so happy back then…
And then the accident happened. The incident that killed my beloved husband and that left my children without a father, that terrible accident that also took the life of my sweet petite soeur.
Dr. Emiko stared at a second picture that showed a younger version of herself hugging her petite soeur.
That one accident that in one of our sessions Saki confessed on ordering. She didn't know that I was married to that man and laughed at my petite soeur's death and categorized it as 'collateral damage'. That is why I infiltrated her security department and act as a double agent to the other gang family that showed me support and helped me out when I needed it the most.
And that is also why I will help as much as I can to bring you down Saki, you killed my husband and petite soeur and I will never forgive you for that…
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts and an auburn shoulder length haired teen entered "Mother?"
"Yes Eriko?" dark eyes softened at the sight of her youngest child.
"Can I go to a masquerade tonight? I was invited along with the rest of the Yamayurikai"
"I was invited too so, yes" Dr. Torii Emiko smiled at her daughter "don't worry, your brothers are not going" Eriko sighed relieved.
"Thank you mommy" Rosa Foetida smiled "they are really embarrassing"
"They just love you too much, being the youngest and all Eriko" the auburn haired doctor grinned and her daughter rolled her eyes.
"Oh" the former yellow rose stood from her seat and withdrew a small wooden box from one of the shelves "I have the perfect masks for the occasion" the older woman opened the lid of the box and two gold colored Venetian masks appeared. One was bigger and had a rose engraved on one side. The other was a bit smaller and had a rose and a bouton engraved on the opposite side.
"They are beautiful" Eriko gasped surprised.
"Take the one with the engraved rose; you are the current Rosa Foetida, after all" ordered the psychiatrist softly and her daughter nodded.
"The other belonged to…" Eriko started to be swiftly interrupted by her mother.
"Eiko, my petite soeur" Dr. Emiko gave her daughter a sad smile "and dead sister".
When Youko entered the house to have lunch with Sei, she was surprised to find her mother waiting for her with a wooden box.
"I set aside your red dress for tonight along with this" the attorney opened the lid of the box and Youko took the Venetian crimson mask which had a Chinesis rose engraved in silver that covered one side, it was absolutely exquisite.
"The other one is for Sei-chan" just above the one Youko took there was a second mask; this one was silver with a Gigantea rose engraved in red. Both masks were a matching pair.
"Thank you Miyoko-sama they are perfect" Sei bowed deeply and accepted the gift gratefully.
"Thank you mother, they are beautiful" Youko hugged her mother and the attorney was taken aback, it was rare when her daughter showed her feelings that openly.
Definitely Sei has been a good influence on my daughter…
They ate lunch talking about different topics in a very relaxing atmosphere. After dessert, Sei excused herself and left the Mizuno household towards her home, there were some preparations pending.
"Yo~shi~no~chan and sister~in~law~chan" a woman said in a playful tone.
"I hate it when she calls us like that" muttered an annoyed girl with braids.
"Yoshino, be nice with your mother" a blushing Rei scolded.
"Tch" hissed Rosa Foetida en bouton and her mother approached with a wooden box
"These are for you, wear them for tonight" Dr. Mari handed the box to her daughter "see you at the masquerade"
"Thank you Mari-sama" Rei bowed respectfully.
She just said 'see you at the masquerade?' that means…
Wait.
"You are going too, mother?" Yoshino asked exasperated.
"Of course I am" Mari explained nonchalantly "Being the chairwoman of one of the Ogasawara partner companies and all"
"Great" Rosa Foetida en bouton replied annoyed earning a nudge from Rei.
"Be nice to your mother" Rosa Foetida en bouton whispered.
"Whatever" Yoshino rolled her eyes and opened the box and her eyes widened.
There were two gold colored Venetian masks. One had a Rosa Foetida en bouton engraved in black along with some subtle black decorations. The other one, a black mask had a small Rosa Foetida engraved in gold with some gold decorations. They were matching designs in opposite colors.
"They are beautiful Mari-sama" Rei exclaimed before bowing respectfully "thank you very much"
"I'd have preferred that both of you were cool Giganteas as myself but" Mari pointed at the box "at least you are Foetidas because the Chinesis mean too much drama" the doctor chuckled and Yoshino shook her head exasperated.
"Aww come on Yoshino, you know she's right" Rei smiled
"Well…yeah" the girl with braids nodded defeated "next year is going to be really interesting with Yumi and Sachiko together in the Yamayurikai"
"And their cousin Sei-chan" Mari added amused
"Along with her girlfriend Youko" Rei grinned
"And Shimako-san having the hots for Sachiko" Yoshino giggled "Oh yes, we definitely have a good year ahead" the two teenagers and the doctor laughed while heading to the garden to have some tea with Rei's famous homemade cookies before getting ready for the masquerade.
"The announcement would be at 9:00 PM so the guests are expected to start arriving at seven" zero two announced to the 'voice only' window of his computer, they were having a last checkup meeting with the main heads of operations.
"Starting this moment operation 'Rose Garden' is activated" zero one announced from the 'sound only' window, she could see the other four members but she didn't feel like being seen, she just came out of the shower and was pacing around her room with only a towel around her waist.
I think Youko will enjoy this view…Sei thought amused for a few seconds before concentrating on the meeting again.
"Zero two will be in charge of security and in case of a breach, everything would be reported to him" Rosa Gigantea placed the mask Miyoko gave her on the bed, next to the black tuxedo she was going to wear for the masquerade "I must not be disturbed today, unless it's a code red, understood?"
"Yes, zero one" four windows answered back and Sei smiled satisfied.
"Zero three will be in medical support focused on Saki-sama" the blonde stated while she let the towel slid to the floor and put on some lace underwear "in case of any medical emergency she will be there to help"
"There will be ambulances and paramedics in standby in case of an inconvenience zero one" Dr. Emiko replied while fixing her hair.
"Excellent zero three" Sei smiled while buttoning her white shirt.
"Zero four will be in charge of inner security perimeter along with his squad while zero five and her squad will be in the outer perimeter"
"Understood zero one" both windows blared before disconnecting leaving only zero two's window online.
"Are the heads confirmed for today?"
"No, zero one" zero two gulped and Sei sighed.
"So we'll have to wait and see, then" Rosa Gigantea smiled while checking herself on the window. She was dressed with elegant black pants and a white shirt "I want zero six and his squad on transportation today while zero seven to twelve on patrol, it is a very important and delicate situation due to the parts involved".
"Understood zero one" zero two answered back.
"And remember, everything through my work phone" Sei fixed her hair and put on her tuxedo jacket "I want reports every hour until the private meeting starts"
"Yes zero one" after that, the window closed and Sei sighed while closing her laptop.
Everything looks fine; I hope it continues the same way until the end of the day…
Rosa Gigantea fixed a white handkerchief on her tuxedo pocket and put her rolled white tie on her pants pocket.
Youko can help me with the tie…Sei left her room. She was going to pick Youko and the Fukuzawa sisters up.
Sachiko looks like a princess…Yumi thought dreamily while looking at her beloved wearing a purple dress that reached her ankles with a modestly low neck line and a slit a little up to her knee, she also wore silver stilettos. Along with the mask she was wearing, she looked like a real princess and Yumi had her eyes glued to every move Sachiko made.
Yumi looks like a very beautiful woman…Sachiko observed how Rosa Chinesis en bouton put on her gold stilettos and looked up to her peach long dress that hugged her hips and made the young girl look like a woman, a very alluring one. The dark haired Fukuzawa blushed at her thoughts, she felt her body getting warmer the moment she caught Yumi staring at her.
"Wow, you look really…sexy, Yumi-chan" Sei hugged Rosa Chinesis en bouton from behind and the latter squealed surprised "looking good too, cousin~chan"
"Refrain from calling me that and stop touching my Yumi inappropriately, Rosa Gigantea" Sachiko replied with gritted teeth.
Please Maria-sama let me enjoy the night…
"Sei, let my petite soeur alone" Youko stated while entering the room with her mask in her hand.
"Of course my…wow" Sei stared at her girlfriend "Youko you look hot" Rosa Chinesis was wearing a low cut red dress that reached her ankles, silver stilettos and diamond earrings.
"Come here to fix your tie, anata" a blushing Youko gestured and Sei complied. Both look really gorgeous together. As soon as everybody was ready they got into a limo and headed to the masquerade.
The SKI Hotel VIP ballroom room was located on a very secluded section of the hotel which made patrolling easier. After a tight security and invitation check, the guests were leaded to a ballroom decorated with roses and shimmering crystals.
A string quartet played soft music while some couples danced while others sat around elegantly decorated round tables. Waiters served drinks while others offered exotic foods from all over the world.
On the left side of the ballroom there was a table reserved for the Yamayurikai and Eriko along with Yoshino, Shimako and Rei were there when the red rose family arrived with Sei.
"All of you look nice, even deko-chin"
"Whatever, dumb Gigantea" Eriko rolled her eyes and the others seated with warm smiles.
"Can I have this dance, my lady?" Sei offered her hand to Youko
"Of course dear" Rosa Chinesis stood and let the blonde lead her to the center of the dance floor. They danced smoothly and synchronized.
"Let's go Rei-chan I want to dance too" Yoshino pulled Rei's arm.
"I want to dance with Rei-chan first" Eriko pulled Rei's other arm "she really looks good in a tux" the blonde was wearing a black tuxedo with a gold tie.
Eriko won and danced with Rei first, Yoshino danced several songs with the blonde too. Now Shimako danced with Sei while Youko was in the restroom. In the meantime, Yumi and Sachiko smiled at each other enjoying their uninterrupted proximity.
Everything was like a bliss until Sei's parents ordered the quartet to stop and Saki started speaking through a microphone "Today it is a very special night, first it is the conglomerate's anniversary and the company keeps on growing and making us richer" several laughs were heard around "second because we can proudly introduce our heiress, come here my dear" the blonde woman happily announced and Sei approached them with her masked face "She is the future of the Ogasawara Conglomerate, Satou Sei our sucessor" applauses boomed from all places and Sei bowed respectfully.
"Don't think she's just a girl in a suit" Satou Keitaro took the microphone from his wife "she is also the new head of security of the conglomerate, the one helping the company grow bigger and powerful"
"So raise your glasses and let's have a toast" Keitaro raised his glass of champagne and handed the microphone to his wife "To Sei, the rightful owner of the Ogasawara Conglomerate"
"To Sei!" was heard as a chant from all tables but the Yamayurikai's. Sachiko paled and was about to refute those statements when a hand stopped her from shouting, it was Miyoko.
"Don't be upset, Sei's mother doesn't know about your existence so she believes that they are the owners of the conglomerate" Miyoko whispered while seating next to her "let them believe that because everything will change soon but don't get ahead of yourself" Sachiko nodded and sighed.
"I need some fresh air" the dark haired girl stood.
"I'll go with you" Yumi offered and both walked towards the balcony.
It was a cloudless night with the full moon shining brightly. Stars sparkled like little diamonds while the lights of the city gave the illusion of a starry night. Everything looked like taken from a fairy tale.
"Dance with me" Yumi offered.
"Huh?" Sachiko tilted her head confused.
"Let's dance Chiko-chan" the music from the ballroom engulfed them and Sachiko approached Yumi and held her by the waist with one hand and Rosa Chinesis en bouton mimicked her moves. Seconds later they started dancing under the moonlight. They synchronized perfectly, a match made in heaven. Their hearts raced and a deep blush adorned their cheeks. They were lost into each other eyes.
Their faces drew closer, their smiles grew wider and in a second, their eyes closed and lips touched, it was magical. The song finished but they continued kissing for what it looked like eternity when the crashing sound of crystal brought them back to reality.
"Sayako onee-sama, is that you?" Saki stammered with wide eyes and Yumi and Sachiko froze.
Sei sat at the top of a table and checked her watch one more time. The watch showed '9:00 PM', the meeting will start soon.
"It's time" she ordered her second in command "let them in" zero two bowed and opened the doors of the VIP conference room to the guests.
An elegant man with straight black hair, wearing a black tuxedo with a scarlet tie and a crimson mask entered followed by a shorter brown haired man in a white tuxedo with black details, black shirt and a white tie, his face was covered with a white mask. The men looked around their mid twenties and had serious expressions.
"Welcome gentleman I hope you have enjoyed the party so far" Sei started removing her mask "as common courtesy I will show my face so you know who you are talking to" both men sat across from each other and followed the blonde's example and placed their masks on the table.
"Presentations are important so I will go first" the blonde smiled confidently "My name, as you might know, is Satou Sei and I am representing the Ogasawara interests and I'm also known as zero one, the head of the security department of the conglomerate".
Both men bowed and the dark haired man took a deep breath before opening his mouth and showing perfect teeth and his serious expression changed into a smug grin.
"I represent the interests of the family of the South; I'm the second in command and head of our own security department, Kashiwagi Suguru" the dark haired man bowed slightly and the second man swallowed hard before speaking.
"In my case I am with the North family, second in command and head of the security department also, Houribe Yuuki".
"Glad to make your acquaintance, gentlemen" Sei made a signal and food started to be served "let's have dinner and talk business then".
A/N: Let me know what you think in a review, btw the omake for chap 20 is up too. Have a great week…