(This fiction is based on the characters and settings created by Oyuki Konno)

Re-Humanizing Sachiko -Chapter 25

"Do you know how much danger you could have been in," Touko scolded the older girl. "What if Sayako had snatched you, while you were walking."

The younger girl had been lecturing Yumi for the last half hour, ever since the brunette had been picked up in the shopping district. The girl had walked there from St. Margaret's after dinner, and had called the Matsudaira's driver. She never expected Touko would be so worried and tag along.

"I'm sorry for causing you worry," Yumi said. "I just needed to be alone, and think about some things."

The younger girl mollified by Yumi's apology, changed the subject. "So how did your meeting with Uncle Tooru go? Did he have any further information?"

The brunette told her friend about the meeting she had with Maria and Tooru, leaving out the part about her true parentage. The older girl also shared that she held little hope of finding the certificates in time to save Sachiko.

"Well at least we know they are hidden well,"the drill haired girl said, adding a bit of optimism to the gloomy news. "I would hate to know what Sayako would do with the added power. So what are your plans now?"

"I really don't know," the brunette lied. "I'll have to see what happens tomorrow when I talk to Sachiko at the engagement party."

"You sure you still want to risk it," Touko asked. "You'll be awfully close to Sayako."

"I did get an invitation, right," Yumi reminded the younger girl. "Whoever sent it must have a way of ensuring my safety. 'Onee-san' was what that little girl voice called me when I escaped from Sayako. Remember, when I told you it looked like she was fighting with herself?"

"That may be true," Touko agreed hesitantly. "It could also be a trap. Sayako my be using that to lure you into her territory, so she could get her hands on you."

"I'll just have to take that chance," Yumi rebutted, thinking, 'I have to see her.'

"Well, at least, let's come up with a way to disguise you," the younger girl suggested. "Anticipating your stubbornness, I borrowed some props from the Drama Club. Let's go try a few things, shall we." Touko grabbed a bag she left by the door, and headed down to her bedroom. Yumi followed her down the hall.

"First, let's find you something nice to wear," the younger girl said as she rummaged through her walk-in closet, coming out with a white, strapless, sequined cocktail dress. She held it up to the older girl to check the size, nodding approvingly. "That will work."

Yumi shook her head in embarrassment. "I can't wear something like that," she argued. "I have nothing to wear underneath."

Touko thought for a moment. "Yes you do," she replied, remembering seeing something when she packed the older girls things. She rushed out of the room, returning moments later with the white merry widow set Yumi had received from Sachiko on their shopping date. "Let's see how this looks. Strip."

"Eh!?" The brunette exclaimed, blushing. She was a little embarrassed at Touko's bold tone. She had been naked in front of her roommates at St. Margaret's, growing up but this was different. She was fully aware of the drill haired girl's feelings toward her. So that, added to the sexy nature of the garment, gave Yumi pause. "Do you think you could ..."

Touko turned beet red once her mind caught up to the brunette's train of thought. She excused herself quickly, and waited outside the room, closing the door behind her. Part of her was a little disappointed that she wouldn't see her crush in such a state, but the other part realized it was bad manners to make her guest feel uncomfortable.

Inside the room, Yumi put on the undergarments, leaving the stockings off. She then wiggled into the cocktail dress. She couldn't quite zip it up all the way, so she left it half undone. Once she was presentable she called the younger girl back in.

Touko reentered the room and stopped dead in her tracks, staring open mouthed at the vision of loveliness before her. Yumi looked so radiant, and sparkling, it took the younger girl by surprise.

"Well," Yumi prompted nervously. The silence causing her confidence to wane.

Touko swallowed hard before she responded, "Y-you look ... gorgeous." She shook her head, breaking Yumi's hypnotic spell. "The outfit suits you, but I think we will still have a ways to go, before you are properly disguised." She went over to her satchel and pulled out two items: a long black wig and a flesh colored, rubber skullcap.

The younger girl moved behind the brunette and fastened the back of the dress before releasing Yumi's hair from its pig tails, and tying it up into a pony tail. Touko then placed the skull cap over the older girl's head, pushing all the hair under it, which made the girl appear bald. Finally she placed the wig atop the skullcap and smoothed the black hair down Yumi's back.

Yumi barely recognized herself, when Touko turned her toward a mirror, and let out a gasp of astonishment. "You're amazing, Touko-chan."

Touko blushed at the complement. "Once we lighten your complexion with foundation, and add some light make up, even Sachiko won't recognize you."

Yumi gazed in the mirror again, while the younger girl, rummaged through her closet and brought out a strappy pair of matching heels to complete the outfit. Satisfied with the transformation, the younger girl excused herself and Yumi changed out of the disguise. Afterward the two girls watched movies until it was time for bed.

XxX

Saturday at noon, Yumi was sitting in a coffee shop, waiting for a friend to arrive. The brunette kept her eyes on the door as she sipped her latte. She waved her hand, grabbing the attention of the redhead entering the cafe. Mio turned toward her and approached the table where she was sitting.

"Yumi-chan, how are you feeling," the older girl asked, as she sat across from her friend. "I heard you were sick."

"I'm feeling better," the brunette stated. "Thanks for meeting me on such short notice."

"It's no problem, Yumi," Mio said smiling. "I had no special plans set up, so it worked out. By the way, how are you and Sachiko doing?" With the mention of the heiress' name, the redhead couldn't help noticing Yumi's troubled expression. "What's wrong? Did she hurt you?"

The brunette shook her head. "No, Sachiko didn't do anything," Yumi explained. "It's just that her family situation is complicated."

"I read in the paper that she was engaged," Mio told her friend. "I thought it was just gossip and didn't pay it much mind, since she's head over heels for you. Only someone who loves you, would have humiliated themselves like she did when she confessed."

"I know that," Yumi agreed. "I don't doubt the fact that she loves me. I just don't have the resources to go against the Ogasawaras. I'm tired. I'm done fighting."

"So what are you going to do," the redhead asked.

"I'm going to be going away," Yumi confessed. "And I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you've done for me. You've been a good friend, Mio. Thanks for being there."

Mio wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. "So, your just giving up," the redhead said angrily, frustrated by the brunette's lack of fight. "What happened to the optimistic girl I used to know, who never let anything get her down."

"She found out the truth, and grew up," the brunette said sadly. "There's no way I'd be good enough for Sachiko. She deserves better."

"Bullshit," Mio spat. "You're better than any ten of those rich bitches. Why can't you see that?"

"I'm not here to argue with you, Mio," Yumi stated, standing up from her seat. "I've made my decision. I don't want to leave on bad terms with you, so please give me your support."

"I think its a stupid decision," the redhead responded with a sad smile, knowing that there was nothing she could say to change Yumi's mind. "Just take care of yourself. OK?"

"I will," the brunette replied, leaning over to give her best friend a hug. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too," Mio said, as she watched Yumi walk away.

XxX

"Why, thank you," the black haired heiress said to the older woman, who just congratulated her on her engagement. Sachiko always hated the masked dishonesty of these gatherings. The well wishes were just social propriety. Most of the guests would rather see the Ogasawara Group crumble to dust, than see it get more powerful. 'If they only knew the truth behind our impeccable exterior, they'd laugh their asses off,' she thought as she finished greeting another guest that approached her. 'God, how I just want to give this all up and lead a simple life like Yumi.' She smiled sadly at the thought of the brown haired angel, she hadn't seen for the past few days.

Her father's report of his meeting with Yumi and Maria was disappointing to say the least but what really upset her was the fact that Yumi had run off after finding out the truth about her birth. All Sachiko wanted to do last night was run to her girlfriend, and comfort her. She had wanted to call the girl, but had neglected to get the number when she talked to Yumi last. So she had spent the whole night worrying.

The brunette in the black wig fidgeted, under the intense gaze the butler gave her as he collected her invitation at the entrance. 'Is the dirty old man checking me out,' Yumi thought blushing uncomfortably, feeling self conscious. Much of Yumi's discomfort was caused by the under garments she wore. Being a no nonsense type of girl, she usually settled for comfortable cotton underwear, so she was unprepared for the tingling sensation as the satin and lace caressed her skin as she moved, especially down below, where the cut of the lacy thong panties sent a jolt of electricity up Yumi's spine as they rubbed against her most sensitive spot.

Yumi walked into the main ballroom, and moved to a spot against the wall, out of the way of her fellow party goers, in order to get her bearings. Her eyes darted around the room, looking for either Touko, who had entered minutes before, or Sachiko, the woman she needed to talk to. The first was a more difficult target to spot, the younger girl's short stature making it easier for the girl to blend into the sea of faces confronting the brown eyed girl. The second was much easier. All Yumi had to do was look in the center of the largest throng of people.

'She looks absolutely gorgeous,' Yumi thought, leaning against the wall for support. Her knees went weak, and her face flushed as she gazed upon the woman she loved, but knew she couldn't have. That gold ring was just out of reach for her. She wiped a tear away as she steeled herself for something she didn't want to do. Say goodbye to her black haired goddess.

Sachiko was in full hostess mode, entertaining and patronizing the masses. Currently an old lady, she didn't know, was blathering on about how she shouldn't worry about her wedding night. "It will only hurt for a little while and it will be over in a few minutes. It was a chore, but it still is a wifely duty." The heiress was nodding and agreeing with the woman, not paying much attention, when she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prick up. Someone was watching her.

Sachiko surreptitiously looked around the ballroom until she saw a young woman leaning against the wall, in a white dress, with long black hair staring at her. The girl had a forlorn expression on her face. 'Could it be...' the young heiress thought, hoping that this black haired young lady was the girl she had been longing to see for the past days. "If you'll excuse me," she said to the woman in front of her. "I need to get another drink." Sachiko left the stunned woman, and made her way toward the girl on the wall.

"Come with me," Sachiko said, grabbing the younger girl's wrist and pulling it, dragging Yumi behind her. She let go once she knew the girl in the white dress was following. The two girls exited the ballroom, and the older led the younger down a hallway into the residential area of the mansion. Sachiko opened a door on the right, entering an unused guest room. Yumi followed meekly behind. Once the were both in the room, the heiress closed and locked the door, and pulled her girlfriend into a tight hug, nuzzling the girl against her chest. "Oh, how I've missed you, Yumi."

The younger girl pressed closer to Sachiko, and wrapped her own arms around the older girl, trying to merge herself into the object of her desire. She tried to memorize every detail of the embrace, the rapid beating of Sachiko's heart, the rose scent that ticked her nostrils, as well as every curve and contour of the body that fit hers like a glove. She wanted to store every memory of the last meeting with her love, so she could remember it when she was old and gray.

On sheer impulse, Yumi pushed Sachiko back a little, stood on her toes, and captured the older girl's lips with her own. Her partner let out a soft moan, as Yumi's tongue parted the plump luscious lips touching hers. Their tongues twisted and twined around each other, teasingly.

The younger girl pulled away for a second, thinking, 'What am I doing? I'm going to become a nun. I shouldn't be doing this.' Yumi's resolve faltered when Sachiko leaned her head in and nibbled on her collar bone. 'I haven't taken any vows yet though,' she thought as the other girl's warm breath, and soft lips aroused her, heating up her entire body. She felt a hand slide down her spine gently squeezing her backside. Yumi's face flushed as she felt the area between her legs dampen. She let out a moan before pushing the older girl away.

Sachiko looked at the younger girl questioningly, as Yumi pulled off the cap and wig, and reached behind her neck, undoing the zipper of the dress. Sachiko was dumbstruck as the brunette wiggled her arms free and let the white dress fall to the floor, revealing the sexy lingerie hidden beneath. 'How can she look so sexy and innocent at the same time,' the heiress thought hungrily. The heat in her loins flared hotter, as she watched the younger girl slowly slide the white lace panties over the garter straps, and down her stockinged legs.

"Make love to me, Sachiko," Yumi said pleadingly. She didn't know what came over her when her mouth opened and she heard her voice say those words, but deep down that's exactly what she wanted. She may regret it tomorrow, but right now, at this moment, she wanted and needed Sachiko.

As if the floodgates opened, the older girl closed the distance between herself and Yumi. She attacked the brunette with dozens of little kisses, as she nudged the younger girl toward the bed in the center of the room. Yumi lay down on the bed as soon as she felt the mattress against the backs of her legs. Sachiko then stripped off her gown and lay down next to her precious girlfriend.

Their lips met again, and the older girl ran her hands all along the younger's body. Yumi yelped with surprise when she felt Sachiko's hand between her legs, the fingers rubbing up against her most sensitive spot. She howled, as the pleasure overtook her, and she felt herself gush. She kept moaning as waves of bliss washed over her. Up until now Yumi had never felt such ecstasy, but she also had an itch she needed scratched. "In," she panted. "I want to feel you inside me. Sachiko." Yumi gasped as she felt the finger inside her, wiggling around. Back and forth; in and out. Her hips started bucking on their own as her breaths quickened and her heart raced. Lights flashed behind her eyes, and she cried out, as a huge orgasm took her to heights of pleasure she had never imagined before.

Yumi lay back, smiling, and gazed into her love's eyes, as the aftershocks inside of her subsided. She kissed Sachiko's lips softly before smiling mischievously and saying, "Now it's your turn." She left gentle kisses all around Sachiko's face and neck, while she let her hands roam free with her lover's body. She wanted to make her girlfriend feel as good as she did. Their love making was passionate but desperate. Sachiko wasn't sure what her future would hold, and Yumi wanted to take as much of the situation in, because she knew she would never get another chance. She used her hands and mouth to bring Sachiko over the edge many times, until she could replay her screams and moans back in her mind.

After a while they slowed down, and while basking in the afterglow, Sachiko turned her head to Yumi and started, " Yumi, I lo-"

Yumi cut the heiress's words off with a finger across the lips. "Let's not make any promises we may not be able to keep," the brunette said sadly. Sachiko just nodded and stayed silent as the two women gazed at each other lovingly, for a few minutes.

Sachiko sighed as she forced herself off the crumpled bed. "We best get back to the party, I've probably been missed." She picked up their clothes and they both helped each other make themselves presentable again. They gave each other one last kiss before they left the room, and headed back to the party. When they went their separate ways in the ballroom, Sachiko couldn't shake the feeling that she'd never see her brown haired angel again.

XxX

Yumi wandered around the ballroom looking for Touko. As she was walking, she felt saddened that she would never have another chance to be with her black haired goddess again. She brought her hand to her nose, and inhaled Sachiko's musky scent that lingered there. She smiled sadly, as she tried to commit the aroma to memory. She was startled out of her reverie, when a hand grabbed hold of her arm.

"Yumi, where have you been for the last hour," Touko asked the older girl. "I've been looking all over for you. I was worried Sayako got you."

Yumi turned toward her younger friend. "Sorry about that," the brown eyed girl apologized. "I came in and was looking for you. Then Sachiko found me, and dragged me away so we could talk."

'I'm sure that wasn't all you were doing,' Touko thought cattily to herself. Then she noticed the melancholy behind her friend's eyes. "Are you doing OK," she asked, concerned about the older girl.

"I'm alright, Touko-chan," Yumi said, smiling, trying to cover up what she was really feeling. "I'm just a little tired. I was going to head back to the house, and get some rest."

"Give me a few moments to say some goodbyes and I'll go with you," the younger girl offered.

Yumi shook her head. "No you stay and have fun. I'll go on ahead and send your driver back for you. I think, I might need some time alone."

"As you wish," Touko responded, thinking that her friend might just need a good cry, and was afraid of making her feel bad. "I'll see you when I get home then."

"Sure thing," Yumi said before she leaned in and hugged the younger girl. "Thanks for everything." Then she quickly broke the embrace and walked away.

As Touko watched Yumi walk away, she thought the girl's actions were a little off. Like there was something Yumi was trying to tell her. She made a mental note to ask her friend about it tonight.

One of the Ogasawara's drivers watched the girl in the white dress and black hair walk to the Matsudaira's black sedan. He was thinking wishfully about all the pretty girls here that were out of his league, when he saw her reach up and take off the wig she was wearing, revealing the brown hair beneath. She looked a little like the girl his mistress, Sayako, was looking for. As the sedan drove off, he told himself that he'd report on it after the party.

Inside, Touko walked around the ballroom meeting all the 'beautiful people' there. Unlike her cousin, Sachiko, she loved these types of events. Being a consummate actor, she found it challenging to make people see the Touko she wanted them to see. It was like her little game.

While she was walking around, she caught sight of the younger Nakamura standing next to a familiar red head. She walked over and addressed the red headed woman, "Mio-san, is that you?"

The woman turned and smiled brilliantly. "Touko-chan, right?" When the younger girl nodded, Mio put her arms around the girl and gave her a quick hug. "Thank you," the older girl continued. "You don't know how nice it is to see a friendly face, that doesn't look down on me."

Touko smiled. "I know," she agreed. "Some people here think if you haven't been born into money, you're beneath their notice. I have a couple relatives that feel that way about me. Have you talked to Sachiko yet?"

"No, I couldn't," Mio told the younger girl. "I wasn't sure I could hold my tongue. Especially after what she's doing to Yumi. Allowing her to run away like that. How can she be so cold."

"What do you mean by 'run away'" Touko asked. Yumi's odd actions earlier suddenly became clearer in her mind.

"She's leaving," Mio answered. "Didn't she tell you? She's going away and try to get her life back together."

"Oh no," she said. "I've got to get back home and stop her." She turned around and made her way out of the mansion. Her driver wasn't back yet, so she had a taxi called for her, to take her home.

Touko ran into the house and up to Yumi's room without taking off her shoes. She ran through the door and looked around at the empty room. She opened a drawer, and found it empty also.

"She's gone," Akane-san said from behind her. "I tried asking her to wait, but she was insistent, that she had to go. She left this for you."

The young girl turned around and faced the maid. Akane-san was standing in the doorway, holding a large wrapped box which had a bulky envelope on top. She approached and took the items, and placed them on the dresser. The large box was addressed to Sachiko, and the envelope had her name on it. She opened up the envelope. Inside was a piece of paper, and a beaded rosary. She placed the rosary on the dresser and opened the note.

Dearest Touko-chan,

I'm really sorry that you have to read this, rather than hear it in person. I've wanted to tell you myself, but I couldn't bring myself to take my leave of you. You've been a real good friend to me, and if I was standing in front of you, I don't think I'd have the courage to leave. I hate giving up, but the deck is stacked against me. So I think it might just be better if I leave and start a new life some where.

This rosary is a gift to you. Someone really special gave it to me for my birthday. Its the closest thing to a treasure I own, and I want you to have it. If you could, give the box to Sachiko. I left a note inside, so you don't have to explain anything if you don't want to. Thank you so much for taking care of me. Know that you will always have a room in my heart.

With love,

Yumi

With shaky hands, Touko put down the letter, and picked up the rosary. She put it around her neck, not minding the itchiness of the yarn, that it was beaded on. Next to her Akane-san wrapped a comforting arm around her. Touko turned in to the maid and wept into her chest.

Across town, Yumi stood and looked at the Victorian mansion in front of her. 'Am I doing the right thing,' she asked herself for the umpteenth time since she left the Matsudaira house. With no answer forthcoming, she picked up her bag and climbed the four steps to the door.

XxX

Author's Notes:

Looks like I let myself get sucked away again. Rather than writing, I spent most of my time reading Akuma to Love Song. Its a beautiful manga series. I might even have to write a fic for it one of these days. I also watched a bunch of Kaleido Star, also. A good friend of mine suggested the anime, so I went a little obsessive over it. I will try and be quicker with chapter 26.

And to my reviewers:

Rasta Lioness: What can I say, I love to keep you guessing.

Honulicious: I guess you have your answer... Yumi is keeping this one close to the chest.

Spikesagitta: And then some.. I hope Yumi can get some relaxation at St. Margaret's before it all hits the fan..

Guest: I guess we will just have to wait and find out if a mistake is really being made.

Claine24: I hope you liked the Sachiko/Yumi lemon...