Chapter 4: And So To Bed

After some intense kissing, Anthy happened to glance at the clock. "Utena, it's late. We have to get up for class tomorrow, ne? Demo, I don't want to stop. This night has been so perfect that I can't bear it to end." She gazed adoringly at her protector, her new love, and smiled. "I'm glad I said something, as much as I may not have meant to. Otherwise, I would have never known how you felt."

"Hai, Anthy. I'm glad one of us finally said something." She kissed her again, briefly. "Well, there's no need for us to go anywhere."

Anthy giggled. "This is true. But what shall we tell our classmates? 'Oh, the reason we're tired today is because we were making out'?" She giggled again at the absurdity of her statement. "We have to at least get *some* sleep."

"That's true." Utena nodded. "Should we keep this just between us, though?"

"Hai, I think it's best, at least for now. Could you imagine the rumours?" *Not like there weren't any before, I'm sure,* she thought. *People always assume.. and sometimes they don't need to know they're right.*

"They wouldn't be anything that wasn't true...demo, I don't want to cause any more upset than I already have."

"It wouldn't be your fault. After all, it's not you that's been forced into situations by cruel boys who think they own you..." Anthy shuddered, remembering some of the nastier parts of her past experiences. "I don't care if they know about us, really, I just don't want them to think it's for the wrong reasons."

"Well, nobody has to know anything, as far as I'm concerned." Utena nodded slowly, and kissed Anthy's forehead again. "And, promise me that you'll tell me if you're ever uncomfortable with anything."

"I will. And trust me, it won't be anything about *you* that makes me feel like that.... my prince." Anthy giggled, feeling for the first time in her life that she might actually have a chance at happiness. "We won't tell anyone.... yet."

"Alright." Utena kissed her again. "Daisuki da ne." (note: Daisuki da ne= I'm so glad)

Anthy beamed and responded with a kiss of her own. "I feel the same."

"Ne, I hate to say it, but we *should* get some sleep."

"I know. Seems such a mundane way to end a perfect night, doesn't it?" *Since when have I ever been a romantic? Oh well... one thing changes and everything else changes with it.*

"My bed *is* big enough for two people." Utena giggled.

Anthy's melancholy look changed into a smile with that comment. "So then, we shall stay there? Both of us?"

"I like the sounds of that," Utena giggled

"Me too, actually," Anthy confessed, giggling as well. "Just let me get my pajamas..." --a sudden naughty look at Utena-- "...or do I need those?"

Utena giggled again. "Well, whatever you're comfortable with."

"Either way, I'll be happy. After all, I'll still be next to you, won't I?"

"Hai." Utena smiled.

"Then, nothing else matters. Whatever happens, happens. That's the way it should be." With that, Anthy rose, smirking. "In the meantime, I guess I'll go get my pajamas, since a certain person has no preference *how* I sleep!" Giggling at her own teasing nature, Anthy disappeared into the other room to get changed.

*What a change,* Utena mused to herself. In the few hours they had been kissing and talking, Anthy had become a totally different person. Maybe that was finally the real Anthy, the one who had been waiting to get out, for someone to set her free.

Anthy came back into the room, changed into her pajamas as she had said she would be. They were purple silk, of the short sundress-type variety. In other words, the sort of thing a girl *might* choose in which to sleep alone, but more usually worn when she is with someone else to show off for. Looking towards the floor in a manner usual for the 'old' Anthy, she spoke.

"Do I look nice?"

Utena, who had changed into a simple tank top and shorts, smiled. It seemed that her cheeks were going to get sore from her being so happy. "But of course."

She smiled again, blushing slightly and wondering if it was possible to live an entire life being this glad about everything.

"I'm glad you like it. I had it around... just in case."

"Oh? Ne, Anthy...how long have you had these feelings for me?"

The question sent Anthy's mild blush into overdrive. "Ummm... well... I meant... just in case someday... I had a reason to look nice... while I was sleeping...." She realized she sounded like an idiot, but couldn't seem to stop.

"Ahh, so you didn't buy it for me?" Utena mock-pouted, enjoying this new step in their relationship.

"Anno.... it's not for you, it's for me... I'm wearing it..."

Realizing the joke, Anthy relaxed a little. She gave Utena a hug, saying, "I guess it *is* kind of for you.... after all, you get the pleasure of looking at it... and touching it.... and.... other stuff...." The Rose Bride trailed off in what would have been a suggestive manner if she hadn't seemed quite so nervous.

Utena crawled into bed, and patted the space next to her.Anthy crawled in beside her, careful not to take up too much space. After all, it wasn't *her* bed, and she didn't want to have to sleep alone because she was too greedy about bedspace.

"Mmm, you can move closer," Utena sighed happily, beginning to feel sleepy.

Comforted by the invitation, Anthy snuggled in close, wrapping her arms around Utena. Smiling, she whispered, "Will it be like this forever and ever?"

"We can try our best." Utena kissed her again, and hugged her close.

"We can, and we will..." Feeling completely safe for the first time in her life, Anthy fell asleep in Utena's arms, a smile upon her face.