ACT 25

ooooooo

Iris yawned as she reached the lobby. She was in time to catch Ohgami with the scripts for the next play.

"Good morning, Oniichan," she greeted. "You're looking busy today. Is that the new script?"

"Oh, hello, Iris. Yes, here you go," Ohgami said as he gave one to the French girl

Iris stared momentarily at the script then returned it to him with a smile.

"Uh . . . what's wrong?" Ohgami asked.

"It's the old one."

Ohgami held up a copy and read the title. 'She's right. Why didn't I notice this before? It's the script from the play that got cancelled. '

"Iris doesn't need that script anymore. Besides, Iris knows it by heart so well," she giggled.

Ohgami didn't say anything. For some reason, Iris just reminded him of Sumire.

And you are still playing Robin. Look." Iris pointed at his name on the script. "Iris is so happy!"

The young captain heaved out a sigh. "I almost forgot about that. I guess I can't get away from it, eh?"

Iris laughed. "Oniichan, don't say that. It's fun, you'll see."

Ohgami smiled back seeing how happy Iris could be. "Hey, umm," he suddenly remembered something. "Does that mean Maria will be able to perform this month?"

"Well, who told you she couldn't?" a familiar voice intervened from a corner. It was Kanna, leaning against the wall. She had been standing there the whole time, listening to their conversation.

"Kanna..." Ohgami was at a loss for words when Maria happened to pass by on the balcony.

"She's alright, Taichou." Kanna winked. "You need not to worry about her. Look…" The redhead pointed at the Russian. "She can even walk now."

This caught Maria's attention and she gave Kanna a questioning stare. Kanna's cheerful expression only served to confuse the Russian.

Ohgami's face flushed when Maria finally looked in his direction. After that brief eye contact Maria went on and left them.

The redhead looked at Ohgami. 'Don't forget the kind of woman she is, Taichou,' she thought as she smiled teasingly at the young captain.

It had been a week since the mysterious fan had given the gift to Sakura. Maria's condition was improving, thanks to Kohran's medicine. Indeed, it almost seemed as if there was nothing to worry about anymore. But Ohgami was still hurting from his feelings.

And that Maria didn't know.

oooooooo

Maria was displaying an on and off cold attitude towards Sakura. The entire Flower Division noticed how differently Maria had been acting lately, especially during scenes that involved her and Sakura.

Iris found herself becoming very confused by the entire cast. As one who had the ability to read others' minds, the young French girl couldn't help but enter each of her friends' thoughts one by one.

As she seemed bothered about Ohgami's behaviour lately, she started by reading his thoughts.

'I wonder if Kayama's done what I asked him to. It's just... I can't stand the guilt anymore. Why must I let my judgment be crowded by my feelings? I don't deserve to be their captain if I go on like this.'

Iris could tell how serious Ohgami was by just observing his facial expression. Iris felt so sad as to why her Oniichan suffered a great deal. She felt very jealous of her. 'Why does Maria keep hurting Oniichan's feelings?'

Ohgami had changed a lot. He was becoming more restless, and losing focus in his tasks. Iris could tell that from his uneven synchronizations with the Kohbu, as Kohran told her from their last practice. And of course most obvious was his lack of enthusiasm when working.

Ayame had talked to him several times, but that didn't seem to help him any. It seemed like the young captain was out to solve his problems on his own.

Ohgami left, after saying something to Kohran. He was way too preoccupied to answer her questions. The young scientist was constantly asking him about her lost invention. It was obvious that Ohgami didn't seem to know anything about it. Now, Kohran was asking Kanna.

Iris smiled at Kohran. 'She seems to be restless lately, too.'

Kanna's attention appeared to be focused more on Sumire, even though she was talking to Kohran. It looked like they enjoyed the interaction of their characters this rehearsal. After the Pyramus and Thisbe act, they didn't argue. It was very surprising, very abnormal. Iris wondered what had actually happened between the two of them. It probably didn't really matter, though, because at least no one was fighting now.

Iris felt a twitch in her heart as she turned her attention to Sakura. The swordswoman's face was covered by a sad smile. Sakura was deeply troubled, but this time, it was different from before. Even Iris as finding it hard to tell why. "Oneesan," Iris called out in a whisper. She felt that it had to be because of Maria. But why, why must it be her again?

The French girl's eyes were now on the Russian.

Deep inside, she could feel that Maria, in spite of her stern, stoic behavior, there was that strong passion, affection and regret for hurting Sakura. The Russian was finding it hard to hide her feelings nowadays. Iris was intrigued as to why Maria kept on hiding 'it' from Sakura even though everyone else knew about how she felt. It was a well known fact that Maria hid everything from herself, long before she even met Sakura. It was somehow very different now because Iris felt that Maria might give in any moment when she was around Sakura.

Iris had to admit to herself that she didn't like Maria that much. Not because she's always strict and cold (though that may have contributed), but because she wasn't open to her feelings.

But Sakura changed that. Sakura made impossible things possible.

"What do you think, Jean Paul?" Iris raised her teddy bear. "Will she ever tell her the truth?"

With that last remark, she left the stage.

ooooooo

Sakura was approaching the backstage when she saw Maria standing there holding her costume. The raven-haired girl paused for a while, expecting to have a word with the blond about their rehearsal. But Maria didn't seem to notice her.

Maria skipped one of Demetrius' longer lines a while ago. It was unusual of her to be that careless.

It was almost as if she was in a dream whenever she was with her. Sometimes, Maria would look at her in such a way that Sakura would blush from head to toe, but then, suddenly return to her icy disposition.

Sakura looked downwards hoping someone would slap her right there. Where's Sumire when you need her? She just couldn't stand any more of this silence and-

"Aren't you going to rest?"

Sakura turned up her head and met Maria's green eyes. The Russian DID notice her. She stared at her for a while not knowing what to say.

"Is there something on my face?" Maria asked as she placed the costume back on the rack.

Sakura shook her head quickly while looking abashed.

Maria studied her for a long while. In fact, they spent most of their time together saying nothing at all.

"Oh, Sakura-san!" a voice came from behind. Maria and Sakura snapped back to reality at that. "Good, you're here!" It was Tsubaki, running with a bouquet of roses. "Uwaaah---" She almost tripped. Luckily, Maria caught her in time before she hit the floor.

"Ah, Tsubaki-san." Sakura hurriedly approached the salesgirl and helped Maria to get Tsubaki up. Again, the two caught each other's eyes as silence dominated the scene again.

"T-thank you, Maria-san, Sakura-san," Tsubaki said in a small voice, feeling a bit embarrassed. She sweat dropped when she felt that the two were still staring each other and holding her. "Umm… I can stand now."

"Oh," the two said in unison as they released her.

"Ah, this is for you," Tsubaki said handing down the roses to Sakura. "It's from your fan. The one who sent you the golden watch before."

The Russian took a step back, knowing that she was not needed at the scene. "I'm going now. Excuse me," she said simply before leaving the two.

Sakura watched the Russian sadly as she walked away.

o-o-o-o

"Maria." Ayame stood up as Maria entered to her office.

"Yes, Vice Commander," Maria greeted with a salute.

"I've just received a call from the Lieutenant General. He will be returning home on the opening night. Also, I would like you to give this to Ohgami-kun," Ayame said as she handed a file folder to her. "It contains data from the previous battle you had with the invisible Wakiji."

"I see."

"The enemy is getting stronger and we need to devise a more powerful strategy in order to counter attack them. Also...," Ayame paused for a moment as she placed a hand on Maria's shoulder, "… to avoid anyone from getting hurt."

The feeling of utmost concern behind her words was not lost on Maria.

"Is that all, Vice Commander?"

Ayame looked at her, her expression indicating that that was not all. "There is something I've been hearing lately. Do you have an idea what I'm talking about?"

"I'm afraid I don't know."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am certain."

Ayame's smile was teasing. "Are you sure you don't know anything about it?"

"Vice Commander?" Maria was on the verge of panic. "I think this isn't the time for personal discussions."

"That reminds me..." Ayame appeared to be deep in thought. Maria had a feeling that Ayame was playing her for something. And it was working like hell. Maria couldn't stand anymore of this.

Ayame chuckled as Maria felt cold sweat all over her body.

"What are you nervous about?"

"I'm sorry, Vice Commander. I must go," Maria saluted and excused herself.

Ayame was left wide-eyed in amusement.

After Maria closed the door, she gripped her chest as her heart thumped wildly.

o-o-o