A/N - I do not own these characters.

Chapter 36

The morning passed swiftly without Sachiko being able to even catch a glimpse of Yumi. Other members of the council seemed to be going in and out all over the campus, but Yumi was nowhere to be found. She sincerely hoped her young lover was resting but had no way to go and check on her.

After receiving her rose, Sachiko lined up with her classmates in preparation for entering the gymnasium. She could see Rei lined up with her class closer to the building. When it appeared her friend was watching something to the side of the building, Sachiko tracked her line of sight and found Shimako and Yoshino standing at the corner of the building. Shimako was holding a paper in her hand and looking worried, while it appeared Yoshino was trying to comfort her.

Instantly Sachiko realized what must have happened. Yumi's window of communication must have closed and Shimako was going to take over the speech. The knowledge made Sachiko's heart hurt. Rei, as if sensing the same thing, turned and found Sachiko in the crowd behind her. A sad smile and a nod of encouragement were all the taller woman could do to support her, but it was enough.

Both Sachiko and Yumi had hoped and prayed that she would be able to go forward with the speech, but that was the thing about prayers. Sometimes the answer you got was a resounding, "No," and rarely did one ever receive an explanation.

The doors opened and everyone began moving forward. Shaking the depressive vines from around her heart, Sachiko moved forward with her class. This was it. This was her graduation. It felt like such a long time, yet now that she looked back it was all too short. Why had she not had the privilege of knowing Rei better, sooner? Yoshino as well. They both had been in the same school with her their entire lives and yet it was only the council that brought them together. And though Shimako's and Noriko's situations were vastly different from the rest of the group, she couldn't help feeling sad that they had had such a short time together. She knew because of her Onee-sama that Sei and Ericko would forever be part of her life, but even now a year later she felt their absence on campus like a hole in her heart. How would it feel then to be separated from the council now? To step away from her friends, those who she called sisters and meant it with her whole heart and soul?

Most of all, how would she be able to step back and be parted from Yumi? It was a short enough distance on campus between the high school and the university, but it was still… not the same. No more afternoon tea breaks before diving into the council work together. No more events where Yumi would have to support her through her fears and insecurities. Their times alone together in the council room when everyone else was busy were over, weren't they? In accepting this diploma she was taking a step further away from Yumi. Could she bear it?

Lost in thought, Sachiko was in her seat before she realized she had even entered the hall. Those unnerving thoughts were still poking at her heart and mind when she glanced to the side of the stage and found Yumi's beguiling face staring back at her. She wore the knit cap Sei had gifted to her and looked absolutely beautiful, despite the dark circles under her eyes. As if sensing Sachiko's unrest, Yumi gifted her with a wink from across the gymnasium. Giggles from around her told Sachiko that she was not the only one to notice the gesture. Her classmates, who had been surprisingly supportive of Yumi and her relationship, seemed to egg on the show of intimacy encouraging Sachiko to do something in return. Emboldened by their encouragement, Sachiko settled for blowing Yumi a kiss. This was rewarded by Yumi's blushing face and soft cheers from her surrounding classmates.

Have I really changed this much? Two months ago I would never have thought I'd do such a thing in front of my classmates. The image I had was stern and elegant. Why now do I not mind them seeing this side of me? She received her answer in Yumi's chocolate brown gaze. That's right. As long as I have you, who cares what other people think?

Yoshino and Shimako also stood next to the stage with Yumi. The soon-to-be Rosas were standing united, supporting one another through the stress of this event. Sachiko was instantly relieved to see the reminder of the bond that was between the three of them. Yumi would be fine once she left for University. Despite that, they lived together now so while it wasn't the same as going to classes near each other they still would not be parted indefinitely.

After a few minutes, the hall quieted and a voice spoke over the speakers. "Ladies, Gentlemen, graduates, students, friends, and faculty - Thank you for attending this momentous day in the lives of our Lillian graduates. This year's class is remarkably talented and tremendously hard-working. We expect astounding accomplishments from each and every one of them, so please, take a moment to give them a heartfelt round of applause."

The gym erupted in a joyous round of applause, names of students being cheered by family and friends who had come to witness the ceremony. It was so loud, yet no one seemed to care or hold back, such was their excitement.

"Thank you." The voice sounded again and the room instantly quieted. "Your support has meant the world to all of us here today. We ask that you continue to encourage and support our graduates as they take each of their respective next steps in life. Now, please remain seated and welcome to the stage a remarkable young lady who will now give the sister's farewell address."

Expecting to see Shimako approach the podium, Sachiko was struck dumb at seeing Yumi in her place. Without explanation to the crowd, Yoshino walked by her side until Yumi was safely behind the podium and then withdrew to the side of the stage once more. She was smiling as she stood behind the wooden stand. Though it appeared she was leaning heavily on the podium, Yumi's eyes were clear and bright.

"Good day, I am Fukuzawa Yumi. I am a second-year and have had the honor of being Rosa Chinensis en bouton. Prior to that not many of you knew me, that's why it is such a blessing to be able to look out on you now and say that I know your faces, I know your hearts, and I will miss you dearly when you have gone from this place." She paused for a moment, seeming to take a deep breath and steady herself before she continued.

"Onee-samas, I have heard many of you say things about failing to make an impact or not leaving your mark while during your time at this school. While you are my seniors, my dear older sisters, I must take a moment to be impertinent. You could not be more wrong."

She spoke so clearly and with such eloquence that even those who would normally have been distracted were drawn to her every word. Sachiko felt her heart swell with pride, knowing that the woman standing at the podium was her one and only love and she belonged solely to Sachiko.

"Each of you will carry on and leave this place today. You will step beyond those gates and leave your little sisters behind, but that does not mean you will be forgotten. No, your legacy will remain. The standard you have set will embolden the next class to push harder and do better. The kindness you have shown your younger sisters will be the example by which we each live.

"One may speak about impact and think of only those who were considered the elite. We will always remember the girl who scored top of the class. It would be hard to forget the one who led the basketball team to victory at the championship game. And it would be near impossible to forget the one who took a younger girl under their wing as their petite soeur. These all leave a lasting impact, a mark in time and in the lives of others. They are not the only ones though.

"What about the senior who spoke words of comfort after a loss? What of the seniors who cheered from the sidelines or willingly became mentors even without a formal sisterly bond? Do you think these sisters could be forgotten so easily? That their impact would be shallow and easily wiped away? I'm here to tell you all, on behalf of your younger sisters, that each and every one of you have impacted the lives of at least one person in this school. Even if it was just one, wouldn't that be enough? If you don't believe me, please take a moment to reach beneath your seats."

A commotion arose as the third-years each found a personalized pamphlet underneath their chairs. Their names were printed in elegant font under the title, What You Leave Behind.

Once the commotion died down, Yumi continued. "We ask that you hold onto these commemorative pamphlets. Each has a personalized message and list for every individual graduate. This will act as the physical evidence of the impact your words, actions, and presence has had on your sisters." Yumi's smile was so bright at that moment, Sachiko wondered for a brief time if that was what it meant to be radiant.

"I know this speech has dragged on, so I won't take much more of your time. I merely wish to take a moment longer to say thank you. Thank you for being who you are and for sharing yourself, your individual selves, with your Lillian sisters." Gentle sobs could be heard coming from both the graduate seats and the younger classes. The pamphlets, some open and some remaining closed, seemed to have an impact all their own. After only a brief pause, Yumi's voice continued with a slight waver. "Remember, you are loved and cherished here. We will not forget you, so please, do not forget us. Again, I am Fukuzawa Yumi. Thank you for your time. Goodbye." Still gripping the podium, Yumi bowed as best she could and then turned to leave the stage. A few moments later, Yoshino hurried back out onto the stage and lent Yumi physical support as she slowly made her way toward the edge of the stage.

"We love you, Yumi-chan!" A tearful voice rang out from the third-years.

"Yeah, Yumi-san, you are adored by us all!"

More and more voices yelled from the seats, many coming from the graduates, though some second and first years joined in as well. Pausing near the edge of the stage, Yumi lifted her head to reveal a tear-streaked face, though a smile graced her lips. With Yoshino's support, she bowed once more, this time long and deep. The cries of support and love for Yumi still continued well after the subject of the cries had disappeared from sight.

Tears swimming in her eyes, Sachiko clutched the pamphlet with her name on it close to her chest. She knew she was sobbing along with many others. Knowing it was unwise to do so in the crowded gymnasium, yet ignoring the instinct, Sachiko had opened the pamphlet and glanced through. There were many names, but it was the last page and message that held her heart captive in this moment of tears. The page read, For now, and forever, in this life and the next, living and dying you are everything to me. You plucked me from obscurity and made me your own. Life has a new meaning when I am by your side. I pray I have had even a fraction of the impact on your life as you have had on mine. With love, devotion, and adoration - Your Truest Love.

Arms came out of nowhere and held her while she was still in her seat. Opening her eyes she found Yoko and Rei, both with tearful eyes, holding her as if she were a china doll about to break.

No one, not even the dean, seemed to give a thought to the guests not understanding the display that had just occurred. Instead, the students were left a few minutes to gather themselves before the third-year class valedictorian stood up and delivered their own speech. Some in the crowd knew though and were quick to clue in those who were clueless around them. And so, despite Yumi having disappeared for the remainder of the ceremony, she was spoken about in whispers in groups as people departed the hall.