A/N - As always, I don't own jack regarding these characters, but I do love 'em!
Chapter 4
Time seemed to slow down as Yumi walked into the study. Sachiko could see that she was anxious and nervous, glancing around the room as if expecting to be jumped from the shadows or something. With a familiarity that instantly set Sachiko on edge, Candace reached her arm around the younger girl and quickly ushered her into the center of the room.
On instinct alone, Sachiko stepped forward, grabbed Yumi by the wrist, and with a quick jerk pulled her petite soeur out of Candace's grasp and into her arms. Without a word of explanation to Candace or her father, Sachiko turned her attention to Yumi. Unconsciously holding the younger girl close, she brushed her free-flowing hair from her eyes and asked in a whisper, "Yumi, are you alright?"
Obviously caught off guard by Sachiko's display of possessiveness, Yumi nodded in short quick jerks of her head. "Yes, Onee-sama."
Relieved, Sachiko tightened her hold on Yumi and glared up at the blonde bodyguard who was presently smirking from across the room. "If you're going to be shadowing me for the foreseeable future, I would appreciate it if you treat my petite soeur with a bit more respect and less familiarity. Also, there was no need to restrain Yumi for all this time. Did you honestly think I would be in danger from her?"
Bowing in apology, Candace chuckled in amusement at the disgruntled princess of the Ogasawara clan. "My apologies, Sachiko-sama, but I'm afraid there has been a slight misunderstanding." Straightening, Sachiko watched as Candace's dancing green eyes looked to Yumi. "Yumi-sama, would you like to explain or shall I?"
"Huh?" Holding Yumi at arm's length, Sachiko searched her younger sister's eyes for an answer to this riddle that was this confusing situation.
"Uh, feel free." Yumi mumbled, looking down and away from Sachiko's searching gaze.
"If you wish it." Turning her attention back to Sachiko, Candace resumed her infuriating smirk. "It's actually quite humorous. You thought we were there for you specifically this afternoon, but in reality, my main priority was in seeking out Yumi-sama. For your safety, we couldn't very well remove your protection and leave you on the street. That's how come you were escorted back home so abruptly."
"Hold on… Remove my protection?"
Candace nodded as if this were obvious to everyone in the room. "Why, of course. Without Yumi-sama there we couldn't just leave ya."
"Wait, you know about her…" Casting an anxious glance toward her mother, Sachiko hesitated for a moment before continuing. "her unique abilities?"
Striking a proud pose, Candace pointed a thumb at herself and winked at her young mistress. "Yes! In reality, you could call me and my niece avid fans. I've followed Yumi-sama's karate career for years."
Looking to Yumi for an explanation, her little sister merely shrugged and whimpered, "I've got nothing, Onee-sama. Absolutely nothing."
Shaking her head as if to clear it, Sachiko decided to push past this unexpected development. "Okay, that aside, this still doesn't explain what Yumi has to do with this whole situation."
"Sachiko-chan, haven't you figured it out?" Surprisingly it was her mother, Sayako-sama, who spoke, a look of sympathy in her eyes. "Yumi-chan is going to be living with us for the time being and acting as your bodyguard."
Wide sapphire blue eyes quickly looked over all the faces in the room and landed on Yumi, who was presently trying to inch away from her Onee-sama. "What?!"
"Onee-sama, wait!" Yumi was following Sachiko up the stairs in the direction of her room. However, Sachiko was being less than welcoming. For nearly thirty minutes she had argued against having Yumi as her guard. Only a few minutes in, Sayako had graciously escorted Yumi out of the room and into the parlor next door. However, if Sachiko had inherited anything from her father it was her ability to reach volumes most humans would find unattainable. Because of this unique skill they shared, Yumi still heard most of their conversation. It was clear that Toru-sama had won the battle of wills, but Yumi wasn't certain whether she would end up on the casualty list or not.
Hearing the door to the study slam open, Yumi had excused herself and exited the parlor to find her Onee-sama moving toward the stairs with unexpected speed. Before she could reach Sachiko's door, the older girl had shut and locked it. Yumi moved to knock but hesitated. Sachiko was extremely upset. Yumi had learned that there were two different types of upset Sachiko could be. The first was when she was sad and needed comforting, like what had happened before the Cinderella play. The second was like when she had confronted Yumi before Valentine's day, with anger and fury that needed time in order to peter out. She could sense that this was the second. She needed to give Sachiko space.
What to do? I could go to my room… She looked up and down the hall, knowing behind one of the doors was her belongings, but had not yet had the chance to find out which one. I could just open them to see… No! Anxious panic gripped her heart at the thought of being caught looking into an occupied room. I can't do that! I could ask Sayako-sama. Looking at Sachiko's door she hesitated once more. If Onee-sama opens the door to find me and I'm not here… I'll just sit and wait for a while. Sitting with her back to the wall next to Sachiko's bedroom door, Yumi waited and hoped that her Onee-sama would forgive her for this situation.
From what she had overheard, it wasn't that she was embarrassed to have her petite soeur protecting her. It was simply that Sachiko didn't want Yumi to be in the line of fire should anything actually occur. Yumi could understand that, but why couldn't Sachiko understand that she felt the same desire to protect her? Yumi's heart skipped at the thought of being able to be of help to her Onee-sama. Gripping her uniform over her heart, she drew her knees to her chest and bowed her head until it rested against her legs. Why can't she understand that she is as important to me as I am to her? I want to show her… To prove to her… But will she ever let me?
The time for dinner had come and gone. When her mother had called up using the in-house intercom, Sachiko had refused, having lost all appetite. Instead, she stayed in her room and fumed over the situation. How could my father willingly put Yumi of all people in danger like this? He knows how precious she is to me. Why then would he risk her like this? She knew the answer though. Her father loved her and would use any and all resources available to protect her, including Yumi. But doesn't that mean I need to protect her all the more?
During the argument, Candace had referenced certain videos online as evidence of Yumi's capabilities. Sitting at her desk, Sachiko couldn't help the curiosity that beckoned her to look them up herself. Finally, she gave in and collapsed onto her bed to watch video after video of Yumi demonstrating karate. I bet she doesn't even know these exist. Sachiko couldn't help but smile at the thought. Of course, Yumi would be oblivious to anything like this. She was far too humble for her own good.
Watching Yumi display her prowess online opened Sachiko's eyes more and more to the girl's incredible skills. Still, she couldn't bring herself to be okay with the idea of Yumi putting herself at risk for her sake. Yumi had already sacrificed enough to be by her side. She didn't need to add risking her life to that list.
Reluctantly, she closed her laptop and laid back on her bed, deep in thought. Shutting her eyes, she found herself imagining Yumi fighting off a few thugs while protecting her. While the thought was terrifying she had to admit to herself that she didn't hate the idea of being safeguarded by Yumi. She had never been held by Yumi. Instead, Sachiko had always been the one holding the younger girl. It seemed only natural given their age and height differences. Now though, having clearly seen the younger girl's muscles during her demonstration at school and in the videos, Sachiko couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to be held by her instead.
Face flaming at the thought, Sachiko rolled over and buried her face into her pillow. What am I thinking?! I need help… I need to talk this out. Without looking, Sachiko reached to her nightstand and found her cellphone, a sleek red flip phone of the latest design. Hitting her third speed-dial, she lifted the phone to her ear and waited for the call to connect.
"Sachiko?" A beautiful, strong feminine voice answered on the third ring, sounding surprised at her call.
"Onee-sama, I need your help." Sachiko took her time explaining the entire situation to Yoko, starting from her discovery about Yumi and ending with the battle of wills in the study and her retreat to her room. Throughout Yoko stayed quiet, only interrupting to ask clarifying questions. Having finally reached the end of her exhausting story, Sachiko fell silent, waiting on her Onee-sama to share with her words of wisdom.
There was silence on the line for a time before Yoko finally spoke. "Forgive me, Sachiko, but what exactly is the problem here?"
Flabbergasted by Yoko's nonchalant response to the entire situation, Sachiko sat up in bed as she responded. "The problem? What about this situation isn't a problem?"
"Well, granted, it is troubling to hear that you are being targeted. I am glad to hear that your father and grandfather are taking steps to protect you though. My question was in regard to Yumi-chan protecting you. By your own admission, it seems she is more than capable of the task. In all honesty, I would bet my savings that she has already been actively protecting you this entire time without you even knowing it." Yoko sounded amused by the thought, but it only served to further confuse Sachiko.
"What do you mean?" She asked curiously.
"Well, you both have gone out together many times. You've traveled on buses and trains, gone shopping, and other such activities. Think back. Did she ever act in an odd way during one of those outings?" Yoko was sounding more and more like a lawyer cross-examining a witness, but Sachiko decided to go with the flow.
She thought for a few moments before a few ideas came floating to the surface of her consciousness. "Whenever we've been on the bus or subway and it's become too crowded she always gives me the place against the seat or wall and stands in front of me."
"Could it be that she was guarding you against possible molesters?" Yoko asked curiously, causing Sachiko to gasp in realization.
"Do you really think so?"
"Well, I have ridden with Yumi-chan a few times as well and I witnessed similar things each time, so I would imagine so. What else can you think of?"
"Uh, when we walk on the sidewalk she always places herself between me and the street. Oh, and while we were shopping on our date I noticed that whenever a man drew near she would position herself between him and me. I thought it was just because she knew I was distrustful of men though."
"That could very well be the case, but even so, isn't that a form of protection as well?" Yoko paused, letting her words sink in before she continued. "Sachiko, it seems to me that she has been protecting you all along without you even realizing it. Do you think that just because she hadn't been asked to protect you before that she would have willingly let something or someone harm you? Don't be absurd."
Feeling her resolve slipping more by the second, Sachiko sighed. "I guess you're right, but… I still don't like it."
"And you don't have to, but even if you refuse to let her be your bodyguard do you think she'll stop protecting you? I mean, knowing Yumi, you'd have to cut your sisterly ties to succeed with that, and even then, personally, I doubt it would work. She would still be there, watching from a distance."
Sachiko found herself shaking her head at the mere thought of ending her relationship with Yumi. It was because of how much she treasured that relationship that she wanted to keep Yumi safe, but Yoko was right. Yumi was stubborn enough that even if they separated she would still be by Sachiko's side, one way or another.
"I don't want to cut ties with her. No, that's not an option for me."
"Well good." Yoko responded, thoughtfully. "That girl adores you, Sachiko."
A mixture of excitement and guilt swirled in her chest as she considered Yoko's words. Finally, she whispered a response, her hand splayed over her heart. "I know. I adore her as well."
"You have a funny way of showing it then." Yoko's accusation was sharp and to the point, as always.
"Onee-sama?"
"Do you honestly think Yumi-chan didn't hear EVERY word of your argument earlier? Then you ran off and left her. She's signed a contract to protect you because she cares for you and yet you spent an excessive amount of time rejecting her very presence this afternoon. How must she be feeling right now? Alone? Unwanted? Guilty for having upset you?" Each word was like a dagger in Sachiko's heart. She wanted to argue, but the words refused to come and she knew why. Because Yoko was entirely correct. Sachiko had indeed been awful toward Yumi. "You know how sensitive Yumi is toward you. Sachiko, I've seen that no one can make Yumi as happy or as sad as you can."
"I don't-"
"It's the truth. And it goes both ways."
"What do you mean, Onee-sama?" Sachiko was curious where this was going.
"Sachiko, you need to learn to be honest with yourself and others. You've hidden from your heart for too long. Admit it, at least to yourself, that no one can make you as happy as Yumi-chan." Yoko's words were sharp, but Sachiko felt the compassion and love in them despite their directness.
She knew what Yoko was referring to, but couldn't bring herself to fully acknowledge it. "I-I'm not… I'm not ready."
Yoko was silent for a time before she spoke again, this time with a smile in her voice. "And that's perfectly fine too. But do yourself, Yumi-chan, and me a favor, okay? Accept what Yumi-chan is offering you."
Sighing long and hard, Sachiko nodded. "Okay, I will try."
"Good! Now, get your tail up and go comfort your petite soeur. Surely she's feeling abandoned by her insensitive Onee-sama by now." Yoko laughed as she spoke, but Sachiko knew she was dead serious.
Rising from the bed, Sachiko smiled and bowed her head in thanks, despite the fact that Yoko couldn't see the gesture. "Thank you, Onee-sama. You're right. I'll go find her now."
"Knowing Yumi, I doubt she is far, but good luck. Call me if you need me."
"I will, thank you!" With that, Sachiko disconnected the call and tossed the phone onto her bed as she moved swiftly to the door. Sliding it open, she stepped into the hall and almost let loose a shriek of surprise when she saw the body next to her door.
For an instant, the worst scenarios flew through her mind, but it took only that long for her to realize that the body was actually Yumi. She was sitting up, curled into her knees, sleeping soundly. As Sachiko tried to calm her heart back down to its normal rhythm, she couldn't help but be touched by the younger girl's presence. Had she been out there the entire time? Onee-sama was right. She wasn't far at all. Smiling, Sachiko leaned down and gently brushed the hair away from Yumi's ear and whispered, "Yumi, wake up."
Slowly, Yumi stirred, stiffening her shoulders and slowly lifting her head from her knees. Bleary-eyed and sluggish, she looked around with obvious confusion until her gaze landed on the grinning Sachiko by her side. Cheeks instantly flushed in embarrassment as she leaned back into the wall away from her Onee-sama. "Onee - Onee-sama! I didn't mean - I mean, I know this isn't the place for - I'm sorry!" Bowing her head, she tried to hide the look of shame that overtook her face.
"Oh, Yumi." Sachiko could only shake her head at her little sister's embarrassment while feeling a stab of guilt herself. Whatever the specific reason for it, ultimately it was because of Sachiko that Yumi had fallen asleep in the hall. Shame tinted Sachiko's cheeks at the thought of silently and thoughtlessly banishing Yumi to the hallway, of all places. Placing a comforting hand on Yumi's head, Sachiko shook her head firmly. "You aren't at fault Yumi. You must be tired. It's late. You really should go to bed if you are this sleepy."
Just then a low rumbling growl echoed through the empty hallway, resulting in Yumi once more hiding her face in embarrassment.
Eyes wide, Sachiko asked, "Yumi, how long have you been out here? Didn't you eat dinner with the family?"
Without looking up, Yumi shook her head while tightening her arms around her legs.
Feeling even worse than before, Sachiko reached her hand out, placing it in Yumi's line of sight. "Come with me."
Hesitating for only a moment, Yumi accepted her hand and rose to her feet. To her surprise though Sachiko did not release her hand, instead gripping it tightly as she led her little sister down the hall and stairs, through a maze of corridors, until they finally emerged into a large gourmet kitchen.
Without having thought it through, Sachiko motioned for Yumi to take a seat at the island and then went in search of food in the refrigerator. Opening the stainless steel double doors, she expected to find a few platters of leftovers from the dinner that night, but instead found nothing remotely ready to eat. Assaulted by a sudden wave of self-consciousness, Sachiko stood and frantically tried to contrive what she might do for a suitable meal.
After what felt like an eternity, but was actually only a few minutes she closed the doors with a sigh of defeat.
"What's wrong, Onee-sama?"
Sachiko jumped at Yumi's sudden appearance at her side. "Oh, it's nothing, Yumi. I am just not finding what I had expected."
By the carefully blank look on her face, Sachiko knew Yumi had figured it out. After all, it was no secret to her petite soeur that Sachiko was not an accomplished chef. "Onee-sama, as thanks for letting me stay here, might I make you something to eat?"
Covering her eyes in embarrassment and shame, Sachiko nearly growled her response. "There is no need to protect my feelings in this matter, Yumi. I have no skill in the kitchen. We both know this."
Waving her arms in a chaotic manner, Yumi tried to deny the accusation. "Oh no, Onee-sama, you misunderstand! I really do wish to do this for you."
"Fine, if you really wouldn't mind." Lowering her hand, Sachiko graced Yumi with an endearing and appreciative smile. "Thank you, Yumi."
Beaming, Yumi nodded and immediately went to work. Sachiko helped by gathering the pans and utensils that Yumi requested and could not find herself while Yumi easily found the ingredients she needed. After a short time cooking and there being only silence between the two of them, Yumi finally spoke.
"Onee-sama, I'm sorry."
Caught off guard by the suddenness of her statement, Sachiko jerked her head up from where she was studying her hands. She was sitting behind Yumi at the island and could only see the younger girl's back as she cooked at the stove. "Why say this so suddenly, Yumi?"
Shrugging anxiously, Yumi lifted the wok and tossed the contents with one smooth jerk of the pan. Rice and vegetables flipped and landed neatly back in the pan. "I don't know. I mean, I somehow feel responsible for making you unhappy this afternoon. I should have refused, but" Yumi stopped speaking for a time, seeming to attack the food in the wok with more aggression than was truly warranted. "Who am I kidding? I couldn't refuse. You know that as well as I, Onee-sama."
For a time Sachiko merely watched as the muscles in the younger girl's shoulders and arms flexed and strained under the weight of the hefty wok. Despite the weight of it, she handled it with ease and expertise that Sachiko found surprising. What couldn't this girl do? Indeed, she was not as clumsy or unknowledgeable as she would have the people at Lillian believe. Sure, she was unrefined in matters of etiquette, decorum, and the arts but she was deceptively skilled at many practical things.
"It may have been better for you had you not become my petite soeur, Yumi. I've brought you only trouble and it seems you really have little you need to learn from me."
With a suddenness that startled Sachiko, Yumi turned to face her with the wok in hand, an angry glint in her eyes. With a resounding bong, she placed the hot pan on the protective mat and slammed her hands onto the island across from Sachiko. "Don't even joke about that, Sachiko-sama!"
Shaking slightly, Sachiko turned her face away from the angry Yumi. "Did- Did I say that out loud then?" That was the first time in a long time Yumi had not called her Onee-sama and at that moment she didn't know how to feel about it. She had just been saying how Yumi would be better off without her, but to hear her revert back to calling her by name truly stung. Unexpected pain stabbed at her heart. She had already said ending their relationship was not a choice for her, yet still, the thoughts persisted. Not for her own sake though, but for Yumi's.
"Yes, you did." Yumi's tone was cold as she turned back to the stove and skillfully switched it off. Laying two plates out next to the skillet, she smoothly transitioned a portion of Omurice to each of them. Sliding the larger portion across the island to Sachiko, Yumi turned without a word and began to wash the dishes that had been dirtied.
Looking down at her plate Sachiko sat shocked for a time. It was a while ago now, but at one point Sachiko had mentioned during a gathering in the council room that she liked her Omurice to have thicker than normal egg and always requested extra chives for the top along with a sprinkling of cheese. Here Yumi had replicated exactly what she had described months ago. Glancing at Yumi's plate she noticed the difference immediately, a thinner egg layer with no extra cheese or chives. Such a small thing, yet Yumi had remembered it for her.
Gazing back up at her young friend, she couldn't fight the tears that clouded her vision. When would this girl stop thinking of her first? When would she give up on her selfish, hysterical Onee-sama and walk beyond Sachiko's reach? Yumi deserved so much more than what she was getting out of their relationship, yet as long as Sachiko allowed her to stay by her side Yumi did not complain. What did she do to deserve such a wonderful petite soeur? And now that same girl was going to be putting her life on the line to protect Sachiko. The thought was nearly unbearable for Sachiko. How could she endure it if Yumi were harmed because of her? Yet… Did she really have the right to deny Yumi this when it was clear what she wanted?
Heart and mind battling for supremacy, Sachiko quietly rose from her seat and approached Yumi from behind. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around Yumi, letting her arms rest just above the younger girl's collarbone. Though she heard nothing, she felt Yumi's tears drip onto her bare arms and tightened her grip on her younger sister. "I'm sorry." She whispered.
Unable to speak, Yumi merely nodded, her hands having stilled in the dishwater. They stood like that for a time before Sachiko spoke again. "Your food is getting cold. How about we finish the dishes together after we eat?"
Again, Yumi merely nodded while she shook her hands clean of soap suds. Accepting the hand towel from Sachiko, she silently dried her hands and returned to the island to sit next to her Onee-sama. They ate in the quiet of the kitchen, the only sound being Sachiko's wordless appreciation for the delectable food Yumi had prepared. Typically, Sachiko would have refrained from such unladylike sounds. This time though she made an exception, wanting Yumi to know how much she appreciated the meal.
It seemed to work because by the end of the meal there was a slight smile on Yumi's lips when she rose with her plate and returned to washing the dishes.
"Thank you for the wonderful meal, Yumi," Sachiko spoke at a volume just above a whisper as she stood not a foot from Yumi's side, a dishtowel in her hand.
Still, without looking Sachiko in the eye, Yumi nodded and replied, "For you, anytime."
It wasn't the response Sachiko had expected so she was unprepared for the impact those few simple words would have on her heart. It lept in her chest, nearly causing Sachiko to lose her grip on the freshly cleaned wok in her hand. Sighing to herself, Sachiko shook her head. Yumi really had no idea what she did to her Onee-sama. Her words, her presence, her mere existence brought light and joy to Sachiko's life that never existed before that fateful day in front of the statue of Maria-sama. From what Yumi had said in the past, Sachiko knew the younger girl believed she was merely a burden on Sachiko. That was the furthest thing from the truth though. How could she make Yumi see that when she couldn't bring herself to say it outright? "Then maybe… Uh… Another night sometime soon we can do this again."
Surprise was evident on Yumi's face even from the side. Her hands stilled in the suds again as she finally looked up and met Sachiko's nervous gaze. Sachiko felt her heart and soul being invaded by Yumi's tender yet piercing chocolate stare. Finally, a shadow of a smile touched Yumi's lips and she nodded. "It sounds like a plan to me."
Sachiko knew the pain her words had caused could not be resolved so simply, but seeing that smile, even if only for a moment, put her heart at ease. They would reconcile. They were already well on their way to doing so. She knew she would need to say more, to give Yumi reassurance that she wanted the younger girl by her side, but for now, she would content herself with the comfortable silence between them as they finished the dishes and retraced their steps to Sachiko's bedroom.
Once at her door, Sachiko turned to smile down at Yumi. "You must be exhausted now. Should we retire for the night? There is a private bath in your room and I believe the bed has already been prepared for you."
Nervousness glinted in Yumi's eyes as she cast an anxious glance down the dimly lit hallway. "Uh, Onee-sama, first could you tell me which room is mine?"
Suddenly Yumi's presence in the hallway earlier made even more sense. Not knowing where to go, she had stayed as close to Sachiko as she could. "Oh my! I'm so sorry, Yumi. I didn't realize that no one had shown you before." Taking a step directly across the hall, Sachiko slid the door open and motioned to the room. "Your room is as close to mine as you could get without staying in my own." She smiled warmly as Yumi's pleasure at the revelation could be seen on her face.
"Thank you, Onee-sama!" Yumi stepped in as Sachiko switched on the light. They both surveyed the room, taking in the half dozen boxes, the trunk, and the few suitcases piled to one side. "This is a beautiful room." Yumi knelt beside her smallest suitcase and opened it. Carefully pulling out the clothes she would need for bed, she spoke again. "Are you certain about this?"
Knowing exactly what Yumi meant, Sachiko found herself unable to answer at first. If she were being honest with herself and Yumi, she'd have to say she was on the fence. She both liked and hated the idea, but one thing lingered in the back of her mind. Something that she had forced to the back of her mind, but which was now screaming for her attention. Sachiko was simply scared, not just for Yumi but for herself as well. Finally, she spoke. "Once you're done with your bath, come to my room and I'll comb out your hair." Moving to the doorway she paused and looked back over her shoulder. "We'll finish this conversation then, I promise, okay?" Once she saw Yumi's head nod, Sachiko exited the room, sliding the door closed behind her.
Feeling refreshed from her shower, Sachiko sat at her vanity and carefully ran a brush through her long, thick black hair. Thoughts of their present situation raced through her mind, refusing to allow her to settle down for the night. So focused was she on the task at hand that she didn't notice Yumi until her gentle hand took the brush from her own. "Yumi?"
"Allow me, Onee-sama." Yumi's small voice spoke from behind her. She sounded just like the Yumi from before, small and delicate and eager to please her Onee-sama.
Sachiko found herself smiling at this revelation. No matter what Yumi had been hiding, the girl Sachiko had gotten to know was still her Yumi. It was as if she were a piece of art of which Sachiko had previously only been able to see a small piece. Now that she could see more of the real Yumi, Sachiko couldn't help but wonder if there was yet still more to discover about her.
The feeling of Yumi's hand resting at the nape of her neck and the brush gliding through her long hair filled her with comfort she had never felt before. Sure, others had brushed her hair for her before, but this was different. This felt more… intimate somehow. With her eyes closed, she enjoyed the feeling. When Yumi paused to retrieve the hairdryer Sachiko felt a momentary sense of loss, which dissipated the instant Yumi's hand ran gently through her hair once more.
Without a word, the younger girl clicked on the hairdryer and reverently went about drying Sachiko's hair. Locks as black as midnight, as soft as silk, and shining with health captivated Yumi. As she dried the hair she found herself being mesmerized by how the currents of warm air made it ripple and flow. She was thankful for the dim lighting in the room, as she knew otherwise her blushing face would have been clearly on display in the vanity mirror. However, Sachiko was keeping her eyes closed, for the time being, seeming to enjoy the attention Yumi was giving her. That thought alone sent Yumi's heart into spasms.
Switching the dryer off, she set it and the hairbrush aside and proceeded to run fingers through Sachiko's hair one last time, on the pretense of checking for any strands that might still be damp. Starting at the nape of her neck, Yumi gently massaged up her scalp and then slowly drew her fingers through the strands until she reached the ends. For long minutes she repeated this until she was absolutely certain every strand was dry. Resting her hands atop Sachiko's shoulders she took a steadying breath. It was only then that she looked into the mirror and noticed Sachiko's flushed face and dazed blue eyes staring back at her through the polished surface. Being closer to the light, her face was clearly on display for Yumi. She's so red. Surely it's from her shower… right? I didn't… I didn't do that to her, did I? With great effort, Yumi shook herself from her wandering thoughts and smiled shyly at her Onee-sama through the mirror. "All done."
As if her words had pulled Sachiko from a dream, the older girl seemed to gasp for breath before her hand came up to rest on top of Yumi's. "Then it's my turn to help you, Yumi." Without releasing Yumi's hand, Sachiko stood and gently pulled Yumi forward to take her place in front of the vanity.
It was only then that Yumi realized her own flushed face would now be on display for Sachiko to see. This thought only served to deepen her blush and she immediately lowered her head in an effort to hide from her sister's gaze. Gentle hands flowed through her hair for a moment before Yumi felt something close to her cheek.
"It's alright. Just relax." Sachiko's words came in a whisper by her ear, causing Yumi to turn suddenly to face her. So close that their noses touched, both girls froze in place, their eyes locked on one another.
Though her movements seemed reluctant, Sachiko was the first to move away. She gently guided Yumi's head to face forward and then proceeded to glide the brush through her tousled brown hair. Now she could understand why Sachiko had closed her eyes the entire time. The feeling of someone else brushing her hair was so utterly comforting that it felt as if time didn't matter. She could get lost in this feeling. She wanted to get lost in this feeling. The fact that the one doing it for her was Sachiko only served to enhance her feelings of contentment at the moment.
It didn't take nearly as long for Sachiko to finish with Yumi's hair, given how much shorter the girl kept hers. For Sachiko, it was over all too soon, so despite not needing to, she continued to run the brush through it for a time after finishing drying it. Yumi didn't complain, only sat as Sachiko had with eyes closed enjoying the sensation.
"Yumi,"
"Hmmm?" Yumi didn't open her eyes but did softly acknowledge that she heard Sachiko.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" The brush paused halfway through a stroke as Sachiko looked into the mirror to find Yumi's eyes finally open and meeting her gaze through the reflection. "Protecting me, I mean."
"Yes." Not a moment of hesitancy. How could she be so certain and brave despite knowing the type of people who were out to get Sachiko?
"I- I am not so sure myself." Deciding to be honest, Sachiko sighed and sat heavily next to Yumi on the vanity seat. "It's not that I doubt you're capable. I saw the videos of you." Confusion glinted in Yumi's brown eyes and Sachiko couldn't help but smile. "So you don't know, huh?"
"Videos? No, I have no idea what you're talking about, Onee-sama."
Waving it off, Sachiko decided that piece could wait for later. "It's not important right now. The point is I think you would be all too capable, but that's actually what I'm most afraid of. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt trying to protect me. If something truly bad happened, how do you think I would feel?"
"How do you think I would feel if something happened to you because I wasn't allowed to stay by your side?" Yumi's face showed a vulnerability that Sachiko had honestly never seen before. "I swear, I would never forgive myself."
"I feel the same about you." Sachiko whispered.
After a moment of silence, Sachiko felt Yumi's slightly rough, calloused hands envelop one of her own. Lifting her chin, she found Yumi leaning close with a smile as soft as rose petals. "How about we protect each other then?" Her expression changed slightly, a glint of panic appearing and quickly disappearing from her eyes. "To a point I mean. If I tell you to run or something, I still expect you to do it."
Sachiko couldn't help the giggle that rose to her lips. "So now the grand soeur must take orders from the petite soeur? This is highly irregular, Yumi."
Cocking her head to the side, Yumi smiled brilliantly. "Onee-sama, has our relationship ever been something you could consider regular or normal?"
Taking a moment to study her chocolate brown eyes, Sachiko tried to memorize the look of sincerity there. It warmed her heart to know that Yumi saw the difference in their relationship as well and seemed to appreciate it as much as Sachiko did herself. "You're right, Yumi. I guess there is no escaping the fact that we do have an irregular relationship. But you know what?"
"What?" Yumi asked curiously.
Leaning a bit closer, their noses nearly touching again, Sachiko smiled once more. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
An instant later, Yumi was leaning into an embrace and Sachiko was holding her as if she were a treasure she must protect. Once more they were in their regular roles, Sachiko holding Yumi. Yes, she wanted to one day feel Yumi hold her instead, but this sensation was just fine for now. No, it was perfect.
Feeling her self-control beginning to waver, Sachiko soon released Yumi and stood slowly from the vanity. "I think it's about time we both got some rest. We still have school in the morning after all."
"Onee-sama is right, as always." Yumi beamed, standing as well. "Will you be fine here by yourself or would you like me to sleep here? I can use a futon on the floor if you would like me to stay by you tonight."
Puzzled by the suddenness of Yumi's words, Sachiko tried to laugh off the appealing offer. "Why would you feel the need to do that, Yumi?"
Concern evident once more in her eyes, Yumi moved a step closer. "You're scared. I want to be here for you in any way I can."
Shocked, Sachiko found herself unconsciously stepping backward away from Yumi. "How- How could you tell?"
Yumi didn't answer. Instead, she calmly waited for Sachiko to gather herself. She made no move to leave or get closer. Standing by the vanity with hands clasped behind her back, the soft glow of the low light highlighting the young girl's delicate beauty, Sachiko found Yumi all too appealing.
No, this won't do at all. Plastering a smile on her face, Sachiko forced herself to shake her head. "No, you already slept in the hallway. It would be best if you rest in bed tonight. We wouldn't want my new protector to get sick her first day on the job, would we?"
Smiling brilliantly, Yumi looked relieved that Sachiko was finally accepting her as a bodyguard. "If you say so, Onee-sama, but if you need me at all in the night please don't hesitate." Moving to step past Sachiko and exit the room, Yumi paused for a moment by her side and leaned against her arm. "Goodnight, Onee-sama. Sleep well." Before Sachiko could even respond, Yumi was gone.
Standing in the center of her room, Sachiko fought a battle with her inner-self once more. She wished to hold Yumi again and she really didn't want to be alone. The conversations and danger of the day were finally catching up with her and she couldn't deny the panic that was beginning to invade her mind. Yet she couldn't bring herself to call Yumi back. No, she felt too fragile to risk it. Despite what her Onee-sama had said to her, she still was not ready. That or she just wasn't brave enough. Either way, she would deny herself once more, crawl into bed alone, and pray that sleep would bring her peace.
A/N - Next chapter - Back to school! This should be interesting, right? :)