A/N - I do not own these characters.

Chapter 27

On Monday Sachiko and Yumi arrived at school, Yumi looking like a ghost of herself. Her second round of chemo had been the previous morning and she was scheduled for the third Tuesday morning. Though pale and shaky, Yumi was in surprisingly good spirits. That is until they arrived to find Yumi's classroom surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. They heard questions going up from the group, Yumi's name being spoken repeatedly.

When someone finally noticed their approach, everyone grew quiet and stared at the sisters, Sachiko clearly supporting Yumi as she walked.

"Good morning," Yumi spoke, smiling despite her fatigue and headache. "Is there something I can do for you all?"

Tsutako, her camera-wielding friend, was the only one to approach and speak. "I've been trying to tell them it's a mistake, Yumi-san. There's no way, right? I mean," Her eyes seemed to study Yumi's face for a time, taking in her sickly paler and the dark circles around her eyes. "It's true isn't it?"

Yumi didn't try to play dumb or lie to her friend. She knew exactly what she was asking. Smiling weakly, she nodded. "If you're talking about the tumor, it's true."

Gasps filled the hallway, murmurs of "tumor" and "cancer" could be heard all around. A moment later, Shimako and Yoshino were there to act as a buffer between the hasty onlookers and Yumi.

Tears flooded Tsutako's eyes behind her glasses. "Yumi-chan…" Yumi responded by stepping forward and taking her friend in her arms. Tsutako returned the hug, with all the emotion that had been dammed within her heart gushing forth. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Yumi didn't reply, instead choosing to simply hold her friend.

Sachiko though felt driven to provide an answer. "Yumi only just found out not long ago. It's been only a week since she told me herself. In the business of her family's move and appointments, she didn't want to make a production of her illness at school."

Yoshino spoke next. "How did you all find out, anyway?"

It turned out that a first-year had been visiting the infirmary and had accidentally been present during a conversation between the nurse, the dean, and Yumi's doctor. It had not taken long for the distraught young girl, a fervent fan of Yumi's, to tearfully spread the news.

Well-wishes followed Yumi wherever she went that day. When Sachiko arrived at lunch to take Yumi to the infirmary, Tsutako and Mami helped her to the door. Everywhere they went, students greeted them with sad eyes, many showing evidence of having shed tears.

On their way back to Yumi's class, Yumi sighed and looked depressed. "I didn't want to cause this kind of pain."

"They react this way because they love you, Yumi."

"Huh?"

"If you notice, there are students from every year and the faculty as well that are crying for you." Sachiko smiled, though her face too was lined with sadness. "Everyone has come to love and adore my petite soeur and I can't blame them for that." Not giving the gathered crowd at Yumi's classroom more than a momentary consideration, Sachiko lowered her face and placed a glancing kiss on Yumi's blushing cheek. Gasps of shock echoed in the hallway, highlighting the novelty of Sachiko's display of affection.

Shocked by Sachiko's sudden boldness, Yumi's eyes grew wide as her hand replaced Sachiko's warm lips on her cheek. "Onee-sama?"

Sachiko's eyes sparkled, though she too began to blush. "Was that good enough, Yumi?"

Unable to hold back her joy, Yumi's face beamed with the first true smile of the day. "Yes, more than good enough, Onee-sama."

The next morning Sachiko found she could barely focus on class as her thoughts were monopolized by Yumi and her treatment. She had informed Yumi's homeroom teacher that she would be there the second half of the day, though Sachiko had not thought it a good idea. Yumi, however, was determined. Finals were approaching and she needed to be ready. It had not shocked them that the faculty could not let Yumi take the tests early, but it had been a relief that they would be somewhat flexible in the timing due to Yumi's ongoing treatment schedule.

Anxiously watching the clock, Sachiko was the first to her feet and out the door when the lunch bell sounded. Moving faster than was proper, she rushed to Yumi's class only to find her lover was not present. Yoko had been in charge of Yumi this morning, so she found it shocking they hadn't arrived as planned. If it had been Sei's turn Sachiko would not have been shocked in the slightest, but Yoko was punctual and reliable. What could have happened?

"They apparently went straight to the infirmary when they got here." Turning she found Yoshino just inside the door, gathering her bag and lunch. "I was just waiting for you before heading over."

Sachiko couldn't help the small smile that escaped her calmly masked exterior. "Am I that predictable?"

Yoshino snorted softly and stepped into the hallway. "When it comes to Yumi? Yes."

They both made their way down the hallway to the stairs at a much calmer pace than Sachiko's approach had been. Sachiko nodded, finding that she couldn't disagree with Yoshino's assessment. Her barriers seemed to crumble when Yumi was involved. It hadn't been as bad when they had first met. It hadn't even been all the bad when she discovered she loved Yumi as more than her Onee-sama. What had changed? Simple. They had confessed their love to one another. That one confession, and the intimacy that followed, succeeded in ruining Sachiko's practiced cool demeanor. "Everyone being able to read me in this manner is quite disconcerting." Sachiko mumbled, taking the stairs at a gentle pace.

Yoshino only shrugged. "Is it really so bad for people to see how much you love Yumi?" The younger girl stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked up at her senior, a look of serious contemplation on her face. "I mean, she's yours now, right? You've made plans and promises no one else ever has with Yumi. That doesn't mean, though, that Yumi's fan club will back away without a fight. Honestly, Sachiko-sama, the number of her fans rivals that of your own."

"Actually," Mami took the opportunity to step from around the corner, notepad and mechanical pencil in hand. "In a recent poll on campus, Yumi-san appears to have the highest percentage of fans amongst all the roses."

"Really?" Yoshino asked curiously, not startled at all by Mami's customary sudden appearance.

"Yes," Mami flipped through her notepad and found the page she wanted to reference. "In a poll amongst the students, years 1-3, Yumi-san appears to have captured approximately forty-one percent of the council's fanbase." Looking up from her notepad she added. "That's not counting the poll from last year's graduated class. Apparently, Sei-sama is responsible for a 'Yumi-chan' movement at the University."

Sachiko started at this revelation. "Wait, Yumi has fans amongst the Lillian University students?"

Mami nodded. "Sei-sama and Kei-sama have apparently invited her to many events with other university classmates. Everyone seems quite enamored with her over there. Also, faculty seem to be under her spell as well, with a poll showing seventy-two percent of the teaching staff find Yumi to be," She checked her notes and quoted, "Cute and refreshing, an example of what every Lillian student should aspire to be."

Yoshino gaped at the newspaper queen. "Seriously? Our clutz? Our ditzy Yumi?"

Mami, serious as ever, cocked an eyebrow at the Yoshino in interest. "Maybe your view of Yumi as she was when you first met her has clouded your vision of her now, Yoshino-san. While she still has that unique charm of hers, she has grown in confidence and maturity since becoming Sachiko-sama's petite soeur. Even her grades have improved dramatically."

Nodding her agreement and deep in thought, Sachiko added, "Yes, she's become far more graceful and forward-thinking than she used to be."

Scratching her head, Yoshino seemed to reluctantly agree. "I guess you're right. She does seem to be far more calculating in what she does now. Now that you mention it, I kinda miss her daily ditz moments."

They were all silent for a time before Yoshino reverted back to their previous discussion. "Anyway, Sachiko-sama, doesn't this information serve as more of a reason for you to stake your claim in regards to Yumi?"

"Stake my claim?" Sachiko pondered this phrase curiously.

"Yeah, let everyone know to back off because Yumi already has you in her life." Yoshino seemed pumped by the discussion, talking exuberantly.

"I don't know if that is necessary," Sachiko replied, willing her stony composure back into place. Stepping off the stairs, she continued her trek toward the infirmary with Yoshino and Mami falling into step behind her.

They rounded the last corner only to find the way blocked by dozens of girls eagerly waiting to get into the infirmary. Shocked at first, Sachiko studied the crowd. Girls from every year lounged in the hallway, eating their lunches, and talking excitedly about Yumi. Stories of "Did you hear that Yumi-sama" and "Yumi-sama once told me" could be heard floating around the hallway.

"You were saying?" Yoshino asked from her side, snickering at the sudden turn in events.

Setting her features into her best emotionless, stone-faced Ogasawara face, Sachiko stepped into the hall. Slowly at first, but soon with more speed, a path cleared for the three approaching students to get to the infirmary. More giggling girls sat inside, surrounding a pale and tired-looking Yumi. She was smiling, though it never reached her eyes. At least not until she looked up and found Sachiko staring at her from the doorward. Then her face lit up like no other.

"Onee-sama." She called out, her voice joyful though weak.

Everyone in the room then turned to find a stone-faced Sachiko. Many seemed to understand the need to retreat from the infirmary, but still some seemed oblivious, having eyes only for Yumi. Clearing her voice to draw as much attention as possible, Sachiko finally spoke. "I believe Yumi-san is here to recover from this morning's treatment. I do believe this amount of excitement would impede that recovery. Please, kindly leave. Yumi will be sure to see you all as soon as she is able."

Yoko, ever Sachiko's Onee-sama and rescuer of her character, quickly added, "Until then, Sachiko-sama and I humbly request that you keep our sister in your hearts and prayers."

At Yoko's cue, Sachiko bowed her head in thanks for a moment as the Lillian students bid their farewells to Yumi and made hasty exits from the infirmary.

Once they had all exited and the door was closed, Yoko turned a disapproving glare at Sachiko. "Was that really necessary? Those girls are merely scared and needing reassurance from their friend."

Unwilling to relent on this, Sachiko responded with a slightly raised voice. "Yes, it was necessary! Yumi is here to rest from her treatment, not be worn out trying to comfort forty-one percent of the student body!"

At that, Yoko looked to Yoshino and Mami in confusion. "Forty-one percent?"

Mami merely nodded, a look of serious boredom on her face. "It's a fact." As if the one statement should clarify everything for the graduated rose.

Shaking her head, as if to clear it of useless information, Yoko motioned toward Yumi as she sat still and quiet in the bed close by, amusement dancing in her eyes. "It was Yumi who told me not to send them away."

"Yumi is too kindhearted to think of herself before the student body." Sachiko argued.

"Well, you could argue that since she has taken over many of the duties of Rosa Chinensis she is supposed to make herself available to the student body, right?" Yoshino commented, an amused grin pulling at the side of her mouth.

Before Sachiko could respond, Yoko nodded in agreement. "That's right. How could she turn away the concerned faces of the student body? After all, as Rosa Chinensis, she belongs to all of them, in a manner of speaking."

Having completely forgotten the presence of Mami, an avid reporter for the school paper, Sachiko let her anger roil freely. "Yumi is mine!" She yelled this, breathing hard, fast, and deep. "She needs rest, not an endless stream of visitors looking only to comfort themselves with the sight of her."

It was Yoko who smiled and turned to Mami and said, "Mami-san, if you would, please be gracious in your reporting of Sachiko's words. She holds no spite toward the students, but is merely overcome with worry for Yumi-san."

Realizing what she had said in front of the young reporter, Sachiko felt her face blossom into a fiery red. "Mami-san,"

Mami though quickly cut her off, waving her worries away as if they were nothing to be concerned with. "Sachiko-sama had every right to be angry at that procession of well-wishers. It was poorly done on their part. Instead, I would prefer to do a piece on the Chinensis sisters, if that is acceptable?"

"You mean, Onee-sama and myself?" Yumi asked from across the room, still obediently resting in the bed.

Mami nodded. "There are rumors spreading about you two and given Yumi-san's current health status I think it would be both interesting and informative. Of course, I would never wish to do anything to further exhaust Yumi-san at this time, but it might help mitigate the flow of students coming to get information from these visits."

Sachiko's and Yumi's eyes met. After a silent moment of communication, Yumi nodded to Sachiko indicating she should respond. "We are not opposed to the idea, but let us discuss it and we'll get back to you."

Taking this as the best answer she could have expected at the time, Mami smiled her acknowledgment and quickly exited the room before either of them could change their minds.

With Mami's departure, Sachiko quickly made her way to Yumi. Sitting beside her on the bed, she cupped her young lover's face in her gentle hands and studied her closely.

After a moment of silence, Yumi giggled lightly. "I'm okay, Onee-sama. I got nauseous on our way here and Yoko-sama insisted I come here to rest before going to class."

In relief, Sachiko leaned her forehead against Yumi's and whispered under her breath. "I thought of nothing and no one else but you all morning."

"I'm honored." Yumi teased softly, very conscious of their audience.

When Sachiko leaned in for a kiss, Yumi shyly turned her head, mumbling apologetically. "I- I got sick, Sachiko. Don't kiss me right now."

Undeterred, Sachiko drew Yumi's face up until their eyes met. "Just a small one then? Please?" Without waiting for a response, she leaned in and gently pressed their lips together. This time, Yumi didn't turn away but melted into her lover's embrace. Neither deepened the kiss, but both enjoyed it nonetheless.

Click

At the sound of a camera, they separated and looked around. Tsutako stood against the wall, camera poised for shots.

"Huh?" Both Yumi and Sachiko voiced their confusion, not having noticed Camera-chan was present.

"Seriously, you two really zone everything out when you're together, don't you?" Yoko giggled from near the door. "Camera-chan has been taking photos this entire time."

Instead of getting angry, Sachiko cast a glance at her blushing Yumi and then returned her gaze to Tsutako. "I'll let you keep those under one condition."

"Name it." Tsutako replied eagerly.

"I want copies of all of them." Turning back to Yumi, she deftly brushed her stray hair behind her cute and tantalizing ear. "I want to remember every moment."

Yumi blushed further, turning and hiding her face from everyone except Sachiko. "I like how bold you're becoming." She breathed, her hand instinctively searching out Sachiko's and entwining their fingers.

"Apparently it's that or lose you to an overwhelming flow of would-be suitors and fangirls," Sachiko responded a note of irritation in her voice.

"Whu?" Yumi's look of confusion at the statement sent the others in the room into a torrent of laughter. "What? Really, what did I miss?"

Yoshino waved off the questions though, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. "We're just glad some things haven't changed, Yumi-chan."

Smiling fully, Sachiko drew Yumi's forehead to her lips and tenderly ran her fingers through her loose flowing hair. Her smile faded though when her hand came away with a small clump of Yumi's beautiful brown hair. Nervous blue eyes instantly searched brown eyes. Aside from a moment of shock, Sachiko only saw resignation in those eyes. Despite that, she lowered her head, avoiding everyone's gaze.

Having noticed what happened, everyone grew quiet and waited for Yumi to speak. It took a few moments, but finally, Yumi raised her head and smiled, tears brimming her reddening eyes. "Looks like this rose is going to lose her petals after all."

A soft sob sounded from her as Sachiko drew the smaller girl fully onto her lap and into her arms. She held her there for a time, smoothly caressing her back as Yumi curled into her chest instinctively seeking the comforting warmth that was there.

A/N - T_T