Chapter 3: The Past Resurfaces

The two stayed in that position for quite some time,and Anthy felt more cared-for than ever before in her life. When they broke the kiss, she spoke the words she dreaded to say.

"Utena-sama... what do you wish of your Rose Bride? What should your Anthy do for you? Having you by my side is all the happiness I desire."

"Anthy, I don't want you to do anything but be yourself. I want you to be happy."

"Demo, Utena-sama, I don't know what 'happiness' is... or rather, I didn't until I met you." The smaller girl averted her eyes, modesty overtaking her as it often did when she was nervous. "I-- I've done things I'm not proud of. Things not my choice. I'd like this, us, to be different."

"Different how?"

"Like that if I do something with you, it's because we care about each other... because I want to... not because I'm the Rose Bride and must do as you wish." She seized Utena's hand, caressing it as she spoke. "I want it to be about us." Then, more quietly, "I don't want to be hurt again. I don't know if I can bear it."

A dark look crossed Utena's face as she pondered this. "You're not just doing this because you think I want to, are you?"

Startled, Anthy said, "Iie! That's not what I meant at all! It's just that... others... in the past... have 'taken advantage' of the situation, so to speak. They... did things..."

At that point, Anthy began to cry; the memories overtaking her were just too much. She had had to deal with a lot in her short life, and she didn't know if she could handle much more. She needed a protector, someone who could love her. She hoped Utena was that someone.

"Gomen nasai!" Utena cried. She hugged Anthy tightly, and kissed her forehead. "I didn't mean..."

Wrapping her arms around Utena, she let herself feel the emotions that had been plaguing her for so long. "I know you would never hurt me... it's just so hard to believe in anyone or anything anymore..."

Utena nodded. "Well, I promise that I will protect you, and nobody will hurt you ever again."

Sniffling a little, Anthy replied, "That's quite the promise, Utena-sama. One can't always be sure of the future, no matter how much they'd like to be."

"Anthy, please stop calling me Utena-sama. We're equals."After a pause, she added "I don't want to think about losing you."

"I know. I feel the same, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen." Noticing her potential for being mistaken, she quickly added, "Not that I don't believe you can't defeat everyone else, Utena-sa-- Utena. It's just that I guess I'm not the idealist anymore, as much as I wish I was. All I know is this: I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Well, even if I lose a duel, I will fight to get you back." Utena took Anthy's hand and kissed it. "I'll protect you, and your freedom."

"Arigato.. that doesn't explain my gratefulness..."

For once, Anthy was at a loss for words, utterly not her reserved self. In a fit of abandon, she darted forward and kissed Utena on the lips. As soon as she realized her action, she leant back almost as quickly.

"Gomen nasai.. I didn't mean to... I hope you didn't..." She blushed furously, turning a rather odd shade of red/purple.

"Anthy, I didn't mind." Utena smiled, and kissed her long and slow, slightly parting the other girl's lips with her tongue.

Anthy responded in kind, feeling the emotions that ran high between the two. When they broke, Anthy was the first to speak. "I didn't know you felt like *that*." She shook her head. "But it's perfect, since it's exactly how I feel about you." Almost unconsciously, she leant in for another one of Utena's wonderful kisses.

Utena smiled again, and snuggled closer, happily obliging.