Disclaimer : All the characters belongs to Jun'ichi Sato and Gonzo.
Tuesday, late in the morning, Sora woke up still thinking about the last night kiss she accidentally gave to Layla. Wearing her usual blue jean short-shorts and a pink tank top, she decided to visit the woman in order to apologize again. Well, she also wanted to see her. Yet, in front of the blonde's door she hesitated. But, suddenly, the portal opened itself. Layla was waiting in the front door, her back leaning against the wall entrance. She felt stupid for thinking too much in it but was relieved when she was welcomed by the woman's smile. They sat in the living room, the blonde woman still in her bathrobe.
"You're often lost in your thoughts since my arrival. I hope you're more concentrated during a show." The American had a stern face that soon changed in a worried one showing her concern about the girl's wandering.
"I'm sorry. Actually, I came here to apologize for last night but I wasn't sure and..."
"Again with that! I already told you it's OK, Sora." Layla interrupted her, sighing. "Really. It's nothing. Just a little incident.. and it's not like the kiss was disgusting, was it?"
"Of course not! I liked it!" Sora just understood the meaning of her words and tried to explain herself. "I mean, I guess the thought of kissing a beautiful woman is not something unpleasant for anyone. Well, we're both girls so it might be weird but..."
"I get it, Sora." The American woman seemed unhappy at first but she quickly returned her smile. "So you think I'm beautiful, do you?"
The lilac-haired girl looked at her like she did gave her some breaking news. "The most beautiful person I ever met." She firmly stated.
"Such a praise!"
"I'm just saying the truth! There's no one like you." She defended.
Layla looked everywhere except Sora's eyes before standing up. "Well I'm gonna take a shower and change these clothes before my father comes back. Somehow, I become a little lazy on the mornings since a few weeks. Where does that come from?" It was a retorted question. A way to escape from the atmosphere of the room. She did not know how to take the girl's statement. Was it just admiration or something else? Did she wanted it to be something else? Did she wanted to put at risk their new relationship?
"Do you want me to go? Atchoo!"
"God bless you! Not if you want to stay. My father does not bite if you're not preventing him to buy a new field?" And she laughed while she went upstairs.
She took this time alone to reflect on what just happened. Layla's feelings seemed to past from sadness and happiness with no warning. Did she say something wrong? Yet, the ancient kaleido star did not seem to be angry at her. Then what was the problem? Somehow their conversation made her unease, she did not know why.
"She said the kiss didn't mean anything for her but...but I did feel something. Is it because it was my first kiss?" The girl asked to herself, but deep down she knew it wasn't the case. "Rahh! Stop thinking, Sora. You're not good at it." She decided to refresh her head in the bathroom before it explodes.
When she was done, she walked in front of Layla's room and the door was half opened. She could not resist and glanced around but what she saw totally froze her. The American woman was still drying herself off with a large white towel but not large enough to hide the most important parts. Strange emotions passed through her body. An awkward sensation stayed in her stomach. And an ashamed desire crossed her mind. "What..." She put her hand on her mouth before revealing her presence and quickly took the stairs.
"What were you doing? When did you became a voyeur like Fool?" She was about to quit the house, not wanting to face Layla after what she had done, when the door opened itself.
"Ah! Miss Naegino. How are you?" It was M. Hamilton, back from his business trip. A little tired but happy to be home and pass some time with his daughter.
"I...I'm fine." That was all she could say after his surprising entrance. So surprising that she forgot what troubled her earlier. "Ah! Where's my manners!" She welcomed him by bowing and taking his coat to put it on the coat hanger.
"Thank you very much. My wife used to do that when she was alive. That's the best way to be welcomed after a long trip. But it's not in Layla's habits. Speaking of her, where is she? Did she let you alone in the house?" Just like his daughter he passed from a happy face to a stern one without any warning.
"I'm here." Layla's responded still on the top of the stairs wearing a light green dress with a tiny belt. She quickly closed the distance between them. "You shouldn't spoil him like that, Sora. He might be used at it. Plus, he can hire a servant for that."
"But it's not the same when the person does it on her own." He complained but Sora could not say if he was serious or not. He was not like the Richard Hamilton she remember from.
Layla noticed her troubles and started to explain. "It's the age and he's thinking to retreat from work. Do no not mind."
Of course that explained why he seemed so relaxed from before, thought Sora, almost forgetting earlier incident. What should she do, now, in front of her? She decided to ignore it for a while wishing for it to disappear from her memory. But when she looked at her in the eyes, the image of Layla's body came to her mind, vividly. That's official, I'm turning like Fool. Forgive me Layla-san, I'll try harder to not think of it.
Meanwhile, Layla and her father engaged themselves in a conversation about mobile phones.
"It would be easier if you had a cellphone!" M. Hamilton yelled, a little angry. Apparently, Layla was supposed to do something about her father's office but because of a misunderstanding, it didn't go well.
"Well, you could just ask someone who actually works for you to do it, next time." Layla wanted to close the conversation as soon as possible. Her father had always been trying to convince her to buy a cellphone but since three months it's become an obsession.
"It is not just for work. Communication would be easier between us."
"Can't you call me when I'm in my flat?"
"You're not always there." He retorted before turning to Sora who wanted to stay out of this daughter and father quarrel. "Tell me, miss, wouldn't it be nice to be able to call Layla at any moment? Sending little messages just to say 'I miss you'?"
Sora hesitated before answering M. Hamilton's question, not wanting to deceive Layla but her mouth betrayed her. "Of course, I'd love it. I mean...". Too late, Laya's father was savoring his victory and Layla just sighed in defeat.
"Fine, I'll get one." She smiled to the Japanese girl to let her know that she was not angry at her for showing her honesty. And she added in direction of her father. "Did you already eat? Maybe we could go somewhere before heading to Kaleido Stage and see Rosetta's show?"
"Sure. What middle age man would not want to go in a restaurant with too beautiful young girls?" It seemed that Layla's father became a joker too.
"Huh, one is your daughter and the other one is underage." Layla retorted.
"I am not!" Sora shouted. "I mean, I'm eighteen and I'll turn nineteen in November."
"See, I'm a lucky man." M. Hamilton continued with his joke not seeing his daughter's trouble. "So, miss Naegino, where do you want to eat?" He asked in a gentleman way by presenting her his hand.
Sora was impressed by his gesture but before she could answer, Layla interrupted them. "She's my guest!" And she took the girl's hand to pass the door. Sora could not help but feeling happy because of Layla's behavior whereas the warm of Layla's hand made her feel strangely...hot.
After the lunch in a luxurious restaurant where Sora did not feel at ease, they went to the Kaleido Stage just in time for the afternoon performance. During the lunch, M. Hamilton explained that he wanted to let someone named Archibald to take his place in the Hamilton Corporation Group. Somehow, Layla did not seem to be pleased with his choice but did not say anything. Sora wondered if she knew him well and if her displeasure was for a personal or a professional reason. But she did not dare to ask her, not wanting to break the happy atmosphere. After all, wasn't it a good thing that Layla's father was able to pass some more time with her?
A few minutes before the start of the spectacle, almost all the seats were taken but they managed to find three good places on the top left part of the outside scene. People were in a hurry and so they did not recognize Layla nor Sora. That way, Rosetta's spectacle has not been perturbed. This time she did not make mistakes and spectators seemed to enjoy it more than during the première. But when people started to leave, someone recognized them. And a parade of spectators asking for autographs and photos started. It might last longer but Yuri's intervention calmed the audience. His work with Kalos made him win some presence you only see in a leader.
While they're talking about Kaleido Stage future plans with M. Hamilton, Sora is welcomed by an energetic redhead girl. "Soraaaa! You came again. I'm so happy. Did you hear the spectators ovation, did you?"
"Yeah, but I can't breathe right now." In her enthusiasm, Rosetta threw her arms around Sora's throat with so much strength that it almost block her respiration when she wanted to surprise her by behind.
"Oops, sorry." She released her friend. "Last night, you quickly disappear with Layla while I wanted to ask something to both of you." The Belgian girl complained.
"What is it?" She was not really concentrated on Rosetta. M. Hamilton had quit Layla and Yuri to go in Kalos' office for business. The two of them where now in a close conversation whispering to each other, not wanting to be heard. And what annoyed her the most was Yuri's hand on Layla's shoulder while he was speaking, too closely, on her left ear. Especially since Layla did not seem to mind it at all. Well, I mind. Is he forced to be so close?
"...so what do you think of it? Will Layla be OK? Sora? Soraaa!" Rosetta shook her up in order to win her attention.
"Hmm. Ah, sorry I wasn't listening. What did you want to ask?" Yet, her eyes were still following the other conversation between the two ancient Kaleido top stars.
"Nothing. I guess I'll have more chance with Layla-san."
"That's it!" Suddenly, Sora was now full aware of the girl presence. "Let's go ask to Layla-san directly."
"Now? You're sure. She seems quite busy with Yuri." Rosetta wanted Layla's help but disturbing her in a conversation that seemed important might not be the best way. However, Sora did not let her any choice since she grabbed her hand to lead them towards the 'couple' who stopped talking at their arrival.
"Ah, Rosetta! That's really was an entertaining show you gave us today. There is no need to worry about Kaleido Stage's succession." If she was afraid of interrupting them before, Layla's warm welcome, encouraged her.
"Thank you, miss Layla. I was wondering, since you're here for a few days if I could have your opinion on a figure I created." The Belgian girl asked with much more self-confidence.
"You created a new figure?" Sora shouted a little too loud with surprise forcing the three others to protect their ears. "Ooops, sorry."
"Yeah, that's what I was talking about before, but you were more concerned by Yuri and Layla." Rosetta was not stupid and quickly understood Sora's behavior, that's why she was not angry for the girl's rudeness.
Next to her, Yuri had an enigmatic smile on his face. He actually did sense Sora's negative thoughts earlier. "Oh! Do you want to know what we were talking about, do you?" He was playing with Sora's nerves since she probably already cursed him hundreds time.
But the girl did not want to lost face in front of Layla. "No. Layla-san will tell me if she wants to."
The said woman looked at both of them with a raised eyebrow. "I'm not sure to understand what's going on here. But concerning you're figure, I'll gladly look at it, Rosetta. Why don't you come at my house tomorrow morning?"
The redhead girl jumped with enthusiasm."Really! Thank you very much. You won't be disappointed. Well, I'm gonna do some more trainings. Later, everyone!" And she quickly disappeared from their sight.
"She's quite lively." Layla stated a little tired. "Sora!"
"Yes!"
"How is that possible that you didn't know she was preparing a new figure?"
"Well, May probably gave her that idea. To imagine new moves outside a show is not really my thing. At least not everyday." The Japanese girl tried to justify.
"Then, it should be. Rosetta is still behind for now but beware, she'll catch you soon. If I remembered you're first summer show 'The little mermaid' didn't met such success."
Strange, thought Sora. Layla was clearly scolding her but somehow she felt happy of the attention even if it was remonstrances. "Yes, I'll be careful for now." She said with a satisfied smile.
"I hope so. It would be a pity otherwise." Layla added but she smiled back to the girl and caressed her head.
"Okay. Three is too much, I guess." He excused himself and took the stairs to talk to Jean about some details for the next representation.
"What were you talking about?" Sora could not help asking.
"Nothing important. He was just teasing you. You shouldn't fall so easily in his tricks. We should go too." The American woman did not let any place for more discussion as she started to move.
"But...Wait!...and your father?"
"He returned home just after seeing Kalos. The trip has tired him and we still have a dinner at Macquarie's house tonight." Layla explained.
"Oh. Then, were are we going?"
"Buying phones!" She seemed to enjoy the idea with was such a contrast from this morning.
"OK. Let's buy phones. Wait! PhoneS! Do you need more than one?" She was confused.
"Ha! Ha! Of course not, you will have one too." Layla said after laughing.
"Huuh!"
"Well, I want to read your little messages. Shall we go?" She grabbed the girl's hand who was now blushing.
Now, they were inside Cape Mery shopping mall in a cellphones shop, full of people on the middle of afternoon, which did not please Layla. Yet, they did not have the time to enter in the shop that a vendor tried to sell them the most expensive model. After Layla, got rid of him, they started to wander around with no disturbance.
"I think I like this one." Sora was in front of a clamshell model. Simple and not too small nor too big. Good for a girl's hand. "And you, Layla-san?"
"This one." She showed her a tiny black slide phone. "That's way, no one will know I have a cellphone, if I don't want them to know. That's was the problem with the last one. People always want your number to harass you."
"It's cute! But I'll be to afraid of breaking mine without something to protect the screen." The Japanese explained. "Well, I guess we have to speak to that vendor guy now, even if... Atchoo!"
"Bless you. Is it just because of dust, an allergy or yesterday incident in the pool?" The American showed some concern. "And you seem a little tired, you should go ho.."
"No! I want to stay with you a little more before you go at Macquarie's house." Yet, it's like she was about to shiver.
"I wasn't asking your opinion." Layla touched Sora's forehead but it was not hot. "I'll call a taxi to get home after I paid for the phones."
"But I can pay for mine!" She protested, not only for the phone.
"I know, but I'm the one who's asking you to have one. So let me making you this gift." The blonde woman pleaded with puppy eyes and the girl could not resist.
"Okay, if Layla-san want to."
"Good. Let's go then!" She grabbed her hand and they headed towards the said vendor with his big smile.
In the taxi car, after exchanging their number, Sora could not help but sending a first message to Layla telling her that she will miss her tonight. The woman sent her back that she felt the same making blush the girl. In front the girl's door, Layla seemed to hesitate before letting her.
"I'll call later, just to be sure it's nothing serious. And don't overdo!"
"Yeah, I' won't do anything after dinner." Sora promised.
Layla gave her a kiss in the forehead before leaving for good. "Then, I'll see you tomorrow."
Inside her bathroom, Sora tried to refresh her head but it didn't really work. "No, it's really not the moment to get ill. Not when Layla-san is here. Maybe I should ask for some aspirin to Sarah-san." But just when she opened her door, Ken was about to knock and hit her instead. "Ow!"
"Sora! I'm sorry. Did I hurt you? Of course, I hurt you. I'm so sorry!" The honey-colored boy could not stop his excuses until he noticed Sora's heavy breath. "Sora? Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I just need something to reduce the fever." She tried to reassure him. "Can you ask Sarah-san if she has something?"
"Of course! Otherwise I'll go buy it. Wait for me." And he quickly disappeared like it was his own life that was in danger. Well it might be, since his heart condition do not allow him intense physical efforts.
She lay down on the bed and try to relax. But she did not have to wait to long before Ken came back with Sarah.
"Oh my! Sora! I can't believe you're ill. Only idiots catch a cold in summer, they said. Hahaha!"
"I guess I am."
"No, no, no. Don't pity yourself! I've brought a secret medicine of mine. You'll be better in an instant." She showed her a bottle with a liquid in a strange color. Was it purple?
"Wait! I just asked for aspirin. I have to be better by tomorrow and I don't think...glup"
She could not finish her sentence as Sarah put the entire contents of the bottle in her mouth not without holding her nose. "You will get better, I swear."
"Sarah-san! I don't think you should force her!" Ken protested a little to late.
"Done! Now, Lay on bed. I'll prepare you a bouillon with my own recipe to give you some strength. No need to thanks me, your health is my duty as janitor. See you later!" And she run to the door, almost happy to have a sick person to take care of.
"I've never drink something with so bad taste. Ken?"
"Yes, Sora." The American boy responded, approaching to the girl's bed and showing his concern. "Do you need something else?"
"No, I'm not that bad. I can still move, I think." She made a pause to sat against the wall and looked at the Ken in the eyes. "Do you...Do you have someone you love more than anyone else? Someone you don't want to share the time with other people even if they're friends and you know you shouldn't feel like that about them."
Ken clenched his fist. He knew this day would come, eventually. "Do you?"
She looked at the phone recently laid next to her pillow. "I'm not sure. I just want this person to be here, right know."
It's someone absent. Since Yuri is here, she may speak of Leon. I knew I should be more cautious with him. Partnership creates bonds. But...for now, she's still confuse. Maybe it's not too late. Thought the American boy. "But I'm right here Sora, and will always be. You can count on me."
She gave him a sad smile. "I know Ken. You're a good friend. Always." She closed her eyes in an attempt to gain some strength. As if not using her eyes will reduce her headache.
"A friend, huh." He whispered so she could not hear him. Tell her, Ken. Tell her the true. The honey-colored boy was trying to encouraging himself but he knew his chances were really low even with Leon in France.
"You didn't answer my question? Or maybe there isn't someone like that for you? Maybe, I'm being weird. A crazy possessive girl." She said it as a joke but she really was afraid of wanting something wrong.
"Of course not! It's normal that you want to be with people you like. But I think I'll be happy if the one I love also is." He was sincere but as the same time he hoped his last sentence will influence her in giving up on her feelings.
"I couldn't. That would not be enough. I lo..." She put a hand on her mouse. She couldn't say what she intend to say? "I...I don't know anymore."
She almost said it. Is there really no more chance for me? Well, it's the end then I have nothing to loose by telling her. He closed the distance between them and put his hand on her arm as an attempt to gain her full attention."Sora. I know you're struggling with new feelings but I want you to know that whatever may happen between you and that person, I'll be there for you. I'll be there because since you arrived I've never cease to lo..."
"It's ready! Sarah magical bouillon!" Sarah just entered without knocking still happy in her nurse role. "Oh Ken! Still there? You can go I'm taking care of everything. Sora is in good hands. Right, Sora?"
"I guess." She answer unconvinced. "But she's right Ken, you should go home. And thanks for listening me. I feel better about that."
"You're sure. I can stay if you ne..."
"No, it's okay. It's just a light fever. I'll just sleep after eating."
"I see. But I'll pass by tomorrow. Good night Sora." He left the room with a heavy weight on his shoulder. Another chance wasted and that was my last one.
"Good, then say aah!" Sarah presented her a spoon of her bouillon and sat on the bed.
"I think I can eat by myself." Sora took the tray of the bouillon and put it on her laps.
"But that's not fun!" The English woman complained. "I was looking forward to feeding you. That's a su...Huh! Why is your bed shaking?"
"Layla-san!" Sora took her phone with a delight smile. "Layla-san, is it you?"
"Were you waiting a call of someone else? Should I be jealous?" She joked. She was glad to hear the girl's voice. She was so worried that she excused herself from her host to make a call.
"You're the only one I was waiting for but...but you're not here right know and, I don't know it's like you would never return from Macquarie's house." While she was adsorbed in her conversation with Layla she did not noticed Sarah's silent exit who understood she need some privacy.
"Silly. We still haven't started to eat but it shouldn't take to long now." She peeked in a dinning room but the dishes were still not in place. She sighed with some annoyance. She liked Macquarie's family, especially her mother who practically raised her after her own mother's death. But right now, she needed to be elsewhere. "How do you feel since I left you? Do you have a fever?"
"I...I'm fine. I was just a little tired. Actually I'm eating and I'll sleep right after. So tomorrow, we could go out somewhere. Just the two of us." She lied to her. She did not want to worry her but she also did not want to feel to needy and insecure.
"If you say so. Have a good night then."
"Yeah. Good night." She closed her phoned and let it fall on her bed. She started to eat her bouillon, however she could not help the tears to fall on her face. "Stupid, why are you crying? She'll be there tomorrow." Yet, tears never stop until she fall asleep.
Not far away, in Macquarie's house. The dinner has finally started. Macquarie's mother was telling stories about Layla's childhood. Right now, she was talking about the hunger strike she had made to force her parents to take her in the Kaleido Stage for the first time.
"That's was a spontaneous act you used to do. And no one could stop you until you get want you wanted." M. Hamilton laughed as he remembered how he's daughter used to be. "Fortunately, something like that won't happen again."
"Layla darling, you don't seem to enjoy the diner. Is it that bad? Must be different from what you eat in New-York's restaurants." Macquarie's mother noticed how the blonde woman seemed far away from their conversation as if something kept her mind busy.
Layla sighed for the thousand time of the night. She was about to do something that neither her father nor her hosts would like. "I'm sorry but actually I have to go. The dinner's good and it's was pleasure to see you but I can't stay. Good night."
"Layla! What's are you.." But it's was too late. She was already out. He turned around his hosts."I don't understand. I'll go get her."
"No! It's fine. I've never seen her so unpredictable since her mother's death." Mrs Smith smiled and looked at her daughter before adding. "I couldn't believe it but you were right. She came back to her old self. Whatever the reason that made her to leave, I'm sure it's a good one. So let's enjoy the rest of the dinner!"
Even if he was troubled by his daughter's behavior, M. Hamilton decided to deal with her later, not wanting to offend his ancient nursemaid. Macquarie, on the other hand, did guess the reason of Layla's sudden departure. It must be for Sora.
The said girl was breathing heavily in her bed. The fever increased with no warning. She was sweating from all her body. And it was like all of her strength had left her.
"Sora! Sora! Oh my god, it became worse!"
"Good. Now I'm imagining Layla-san's presence."
"You're not Sora! I'm here. I'm right here!" She grabbed one of her hand to persuade the girl.
"Lay..la-san. It's really you?" Her vision was not clear but she did feel the woman's touch.
"Yeah, it's me. First we need to change your clothes." She removed the sheets. "Can you stand up?" She helped Sora to sat down and headed towards the girl's wardrobe to pick up some pajamas. But Sora was too weak to undress herself. "Let me do it." She started with her tank top but Sora stop her.
"No! I'll do it myself. I'll..." Breathing was becoming harder, moving her muscles too.
"It's embarrassing for me too. But I'll do it. It's not the time to be shy!"
Removing top clothes was the most easy thing to do. For the bottom, Sora, whose redness was not only due to the fever, insisted in keeping the sheet on her laps. But they finally manage to dress her up with dry clothes. After that Layla used a wet towel to keep the girl's temperature down. Then she fed her with Sarah's bouillon. "Why are you smiling? You're still ill."
"I'm just happy that you're here. When you're not with me, I feel so lonely that I.." She could not expose her weakness by telling the truth.
"Did you cry?" It's was a retorted question. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have let you alone." Layla started to blame herself but Sora stop her.
"No. I can't let Layla-san blaming herself because of my weakness. I...I"
"It's fine. It's fine to be weak. I finally understood that. So don't be ashamed. Whenever you need me, I'll come. Just call me." She slightly caressed the girl's cheek who let the tears fall. But this time it was happiness tears.
Sora quickly fall asleep after taking her medicine. A quiet sleep. And Layla looked at the girl sleeping almost all night before joining her in Morpheus's arms.