A/N - I do not own these characters.
Chapter 37
After departing from her parents' side, Sachiko went in search of Yumi. Following their path of departure from earlier, she found them in the dressing room backstage. Seeing Sachiko approach, Yoshino quickly retreated in search of Rei. Unlike Sachiko, her Onee-sama was not going to Lillian University, but rather Chiba University. It was a little more than an hour away by bullet train. While seeing Rei often would not be impossible, it would be a far cry from Yoshino being able to walk across the yard and see her whenever she liked. For this reason, she rushed out to see her Onee-sama as soon as Sachiko took charge of Yumi's care.
Shimako and Noriko also took their leave, voicing their desire to see some friends off at the gate. They would all meet up in front of Maria-sama's statue in roughly an hour for their own commemorative photos.
Before they went, Sachiko whispered a question to Shimako so as not to disturb the sleeping Yumi. "How ever did you manage that pamphlet?"
With a confused tilt of her head, Shimako was quick to deny her involvement. "The council didn't have anything to do with the pamphlets except the printing. Yumi-chan gathered all the data herself."
"That's right," Toko added eagerly, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "She went to each first and second-year class individually and gave every student and faculty member a set of papers. One was for them to fill out and another listed every single third-year graduate. We all filled them out and returned them to her personally."
"How did she manage it while going through all of this with her illness?" Sachiko asked, astounded.
"She began work on it around valentine's day I think. As soon as she was asked to make the speech, actually." Shimako smiled as she responded. "You know Yumi, she wants everyone to see their own importance. It's not shocking that she would do something like this, is it?"
"Not at all, but it's… Was it just me, or did her speech today feel like…" Sachiko couldn't bring herself to voice it. It had felt as though it was Yumi saying goodbye to everyone, especially with that last bow. It was as if she expected to never see her classmates again.
"Don't think of it that way. Yumi was very clear. The speech was for the third years and she has every intention of beating this, right?" Noriko was the one to answer.
Sachiko nodded her understanding, though she still felt that edge of anxiety over it despite the reassurances of her friends. Before Sachiko entered the dressing room, Toko also took her leave, saying that she would gather everyone at the statue at the appointed time. Knowing Toko, no one would be late with her on the job.
Once they had all departed, she entered the dressing room and found Yumi. She was laying on a cot still dressed in her uniform, though she had removed the knit cap. Though Sachiko was still getting used to Yumi's new appearance, she found she was oddly drawn to her new look. When pressed, she might admit that she found Yumi to be sexy like this, though she did miss her hair as well. Who am I kidding? I can't imagine a way that Yumi wouldn't look appealing to me.
Dropping her bag by the door and removing her shoes, Sachiko moved to Yumi's side and pulled the covers back just enough to sidle herself up against her young lover. As if sensing Sachiko's presence, Yumi snuggled into her, laying her head on her shoulder and tucking her arms securely around the older girl's supple frame.
Enjoying the moment alone, Sachiko merely reveled in Yumi's presence. Having no hair to caress or brush aside, Sachiko contented herself in caressing Yumi's slender neck and enjoyed the moan the action elicited from the younger girl. Hearing that moan, she couldn't hold back from leaning down and capturing Yumi's lips with her own. It was gentle at first, Yumi still asleep and slow to react. However, it didn't take long for Yumi to become all too aware of Sachiko's lips. As soon as Yumi began to kiss her back, Sachiko too moaned in pleasure. As Yumi's gentle hands came up to cup Sachiko's soft cheeks, Sachiko's hands played with the hem of Yumi's skirt. Her fingers teased at the tender flesh beneath the folds of cloth, causing Yumi to squirm in anticipation. No words were exchanged as Sachiko reached higher along her thigh and found the treasure she sought was already ready for her. Biting her lip at Yumi's obvious arousal, Sachiko pushed aside the offending barrier that hid her prize and delved there further with excessive gentleness.
Yumi, though weak, ached for this touch. She had not felt up to any physical encounter most of the week, so the brief reprieve from chemo and her symptoms due to the previous day's treatment gave them the perfect opportunity. She reached to return the favor but was stopped by Sachiko's free hand. Shooting her girlfriend a questioning gaze, Sachiko's eyes seemed to reply, Let me take care of you. And so, Yumi found herself being cherished as only Sachiko could cherish her.
It wasn't long before Yumi was writhing in ecstasy. Sachiko held her body firmly against her chest with one arm, while pleasuring Yumi with the other hand. When Yumi's body stopped trembling and her breathing came easier, Sachiko laid her back against the bed and leaned over her with a devilish grin. She felt such pride that it was her and her alone that could make Yumi look and feel like this. No other had ever touched her body and no one else ever would. Sachiko would never give her a reason to wander. She would never give her reason to doubt her love. Sachiko would give her every reason to stay by her side for the rest of her life.
With a somewhat drunken smile, Yumi looked up into the intoxicating gaze of her lover and giggled. "Now, I think you should have to wake me up like that every day."
"Oh, really?" Sachiko asked in a whisper as she lowered her lips once more to Yumi's. "What about me?"
"Oh, I'll gladly take nights." Yumi's eyes danced with mischief.
Sucking in a breath and biting her lips in eagerness, Sachiko asked, "Will you be composing a love letter for me every night then?"
"That is the plan. I am already planning some short, sweet ones, but I do have a few ideas for long, epic poems as well." Yumi gingerly kissed Sachiko's lips, almost teasing her with the caress.
"Really? I'm intrigued." Sachiko returned the kiss, raising her hand to Yumi's slender neck.
"Think the Iliad and the Odyssey." Yumi mumbled, her hands wandering to Sachiko's smooth hip underneath her shirt.
Sachiko moaned at the thought but forced herself to pull back. "I really want to continue this, but we can't. We have to meet the others at the statue shortly."
Though obviously disappointed, Yumi understood. "It's just as well since I have something I need to tell you."
"What is that?" Sachiko asked absentmindedly as she struggled to keep her hands from ravaging Yumi once more.
"The doctor called. I go in for surgery tomorrow morning."
They decided together that they would wait until after the photos to tell everyone. At Yumi's insistence, Yoko joined in the red sisters' photo. "I don't think I've ever seen a four-generation sister photo before." Tsutako's excitement was contagious as she snapped more and more shots of the group. Yoko and Sachiko stood side by side with an arm around each other's waist while Yumi and Toko stood in front. The older sisters each put an affectionate hand on the shoulder of one of their younger sisters and they all smiled brilliantly at the camera. After one photo, Yumi called for Tsutako to stop for a moment. With a swift, sure move she removed her knit cap and smiled at each of her sisters in turn. They each returned the smile, Toko taking the opportunity to clasp hands with Yumi for the next photo.
Tsutako was glad in that instance that she could hide behind her camera. Her tears would have certainly ruined the moment for the red sisters. Taking a deep breath to steady her hands, Tsutako took what would end up being her favorite photo of the day. One that would be a cherished memory for all their friends.
For kicks, she even forced the three generations of white sisters to share a photo, despite the fact that the current Rosa Gigantea was not in the graduating party. Noriko had not had many opportunities to get closer to Sei, but she made an uncharacteristic effort while in the photos. As a joke Sei had thrown her arms around the two younger sisters' necks, catching them off guard and giving Tsutako an opening at a hilarious photo. Noriko though was quick to turn the tables as she twisted in Sei's grip and wrapped her arms around the unsuspecting Sei. Shimako caught on quickly and joined in, resulting in an even more hilarious photo, this time of a flabbergasted Sei. They ended with a photo of all three hugging and laughing to the point of tears.
While Ericko had not been able to stay for the photos, Arima Nana, Yoshino's perspective petite soeur, had come from middle school to wish Rei well. Despite there not being a formal sisterly bond between the three, Rei had insisted on Nana joining in the yellow sisters' photo. Rei's welcoming gesture instantly warmed Yoshino's heart and brought tears to the stubborn girl's eyes. While Rei teased her relentlessly for her tears, Nana merely stood back and grinned at the display. It was obvious to anyone watching that the three, given the chance, would become closer than they probably could imagine themselves. For their photo, the two smaller girls stood in front, while Rei stood behind resting a proud hand on each of their shoulders.
Group photos occurred after that. Though no one said it, none of them wanted the day to end. Every time Tsutako moved to shudder the camera, someone else came up with a new idea for a photo. Finally, it was Yumi who called for an end to the merriment, though she hated to do it. "It's been a long day, everyone. Maybe it's time."
"Oh, it's still early, Yumi-chan," Sei complained, her arms wrapped around Yumi from behind.
"Yes, but I'm afraid tomorrow is going to be a big day for me, so I really should get home to rest." Questioning stares came from all around. "You see, my surgery is scheduled to begin at 8 am."
"What the fucking hell?!" Sei cried out, jumping back and turning Yumi to face her. "Are you serious? Why didn't you say anything before?"
"What? And ruin the mood?" Yumi chuckled, patting Sei's hand. "Never."
"Yumi-chan?" Timid was a new look for Yoshino as she approached from the side. For all her big talk she looked even more anxious than Yumi felt. Shimako approached from the opposite side, an equal look of trepidation on her face.
Reaching her hands out to her friends, Yumi stepped from Sei's hold to grasp her now fellow Rosas. The three of them would now lead the council. It seemed so unreal, Yumi could barely grasp the reality of it. "I'm sorry to be calling out sick my first day on the job." Yumi joked, wiping at the tears slowly trickling down her cheeks.
"It can't be helped." Shimako didn't try to hide or wipe her tears away.
"That's right, just don't make a habit of it, Yumi-chan." The mood intended by Yoshino's words was ruined by the fact she sobbed as she spoke.
Shaking her head, Yumi brought her friends' hands to her chest and held them to her heart. "You both have been such dear friends to me. I wouldn't be who I am without the strength and encouragement, the friendship, and the comradery you have both given me these past few years."
"You're talking like that is coming to an end." Yoshino mumbled, gripping Yumi's hand tighter.
"No," Yumi smiled through her tears. "No matter what happens our friendship will endure. Just… Keep my teacup ready for me until I return, okay?"
With a sob, Shimako could only nod and fold herself into Yumi's arms. Yoshino was quick to follow suit. Before the three could part, more arms joined the embrace. Tsutako now held Yumi from behind, her head resting on Yumi's shoulder.
"Tsutako, I haven't forgotten you. You've been a rock for me as well. Do me a favor?" Yumi whispered into her ear. Tsutako merely nodded. "Continue to capture moments. It's because of you that… well, you changed my life with that camera of yours. Never stop your stalker-like photography, okay? Keep changing lives." Tsutako responded by tightening her grip on Yumi's waist.
Looking up, Yumi met the teary gazes of all her friends. Some newer, but all cherished. "I love you all, I hope you know that. Despite what happens tomorrow, a week from now, or fifty years from now - You are the family I have chosen and I hold each and every one of you in my heart."
"Yumi," Sachiko called from across their crowd of friends. No tears were on her cheeks, but they did glisten, unshed, in her eyes. When she raised her hand in silent beckoning, their friends released Yumi and made a path for her to reach Sachiko. Reaching her side, Sachiko, in front of everyone and with no shame, took the smaller woman in her arms and kissed her passionately. When their lips finally parted, a loud whooping rose from their gathered friends cheering them on. Sei and Yoshino led the others exuberantly, though everyone gleefully joined in.
Giggling, Yumi turned to face them while pulling Sachiko's arms tight around her neck. "Show's over! How bout we all order some pizza, everyone? My treat!"
They all agreed and as one large family made their way to the front gates. Yumi though never released her grip on Sachiko and Sachiko refused to be parted from Yumi for even a moment.
A/N - T.T - We are nearing the end, my friends! Expect the last three chapters to be uploaded next weekend. I hope you are all able to tune in and give some time to finish out this story with Sachiko, Yumi, and me. Have a blessed week ahead!