Disclaimer : All the characters belongs to Jun'ichi Sato and Gonzo.
Chapter checked by Emyon (Beta reader)
Wednesday morning Sora woke up alone, believing last night had been dream. She looked around at her room but she clearly was by herself. Yet, she felt some warmth on her right hand as if someone had held it all night.
"And how did I get in these clothes?" She asked herself. "Layla-san? Layla-san? Are you here?"
She went to the kitchen, where she found a note. 'Gone to change my clothes. I'll be back soon.' She smiled and held the note to her chest. "Layla-san."
Still touching the note, Sora tried to appease her thoughts, still not believing that her beloved Layla-san had been there just for her and no one else. And...and they kind of slept together. She didn't understand why she was suddenly feeling so hot. It wasn't the first time that she was sleeping with friend, nor the first time Layla had slept with her. Sure this time was a little different since they knew much of each other and well. But God, even if they were friends now, it was still Layla Hamilton. The woman she admired for so long, since she decided to get in the Kaleido Stage while she was in Japan. Any fangirl would have fainted after being so close to her most admired person. But something was different with Layla-san, mainly since her New-York trip. Sora still remembered Layla's words which gave her such joy and something else she still had not figured. But she felt that something had changed forever. "What is it, Layla? Why am I feeling like this?" Still confused, the kaleido star entered in the bathroom hoping to clarify her thoughts.
She came out wearing beige roll-up shorts and a white V-neck tank-top with pink stripes. Suddenly, someone opened the door.
"Sora! Fool told me something bad had happened to you. Are you ok?" Unfortunately it was Rosetta, followed by the spirit of the stage.
"I'm fine Rosetta. It was a little fever, but it didn't last long." Sora answered, still drying her hair with a towel. She then turned to Fool. "I thought you were supposed to see through the future not past. What would be the point anyway?"
"Hahaha! Well, I might have a vision yesterday and forgot about it when...you know. There was this show about swimsuits on TV and..."
"Stop. I don't want to know what your perverted mind was thinking." She interrupted him, heading to her kitchen. She sat on a chair and told Rosetta to do the same while the spirit stage flew around as if searching for something or someone. "What is it, Fool?"
"Layla was in my vision too. Where is she?"
"She came back but she'll be there soon." She said putting her towel on the table.
"So, she still agrees to look at my maneuver? But wait, Layla was here last night? You called her but not me?" The Belgian girl was a little upset because she thought Sora did not trust her enough to take care of her while she was sick.
"Calm down, Rosetta. I wasn't really in a state to call anyone. Layla was there because we were together when I started feeling ill." Sora explained, not wanting any misunderstanding. "And, yeah, I'm sure Layla-san will keep her promise. She always does. Actually, I'd love to see it, too."
Rosetta seemed reassured by Sora's words and simple smile and left so she could have some rest. Right after, someone knocked at the door. Sora's heart started racing but it was Ken this time, all worried after last night but not only because of her fever. She let him in and they sat in the kitchen.
"I'm glad to see you're feeling better. You worried me a lot last night. I think it's the first time I see you sick."
"I'm sorry. Everyone worried because of me. But really I'm fine, now."
Ken was hesitating. He wanted to speak about their latter discussion but he was afraid of what could come out. Things seemed already pretty bad for him. "You know...what you said last about the person you were in love with..."
"In love? I never said that. How could...Why did you...I...I was sick, that doesn't count! Don't say it loud! Please don't." If Layla-san heard it, she would...she would. How would she react?
She still hasn't accepted it, thought Ken. But why would she think that? Maybe Leon is in love with someone else? Maybe, there's still a chance for me. "I'm sorry, Sora. I don't want to upset you. Actually, I want to say something I should have said long time ago. However things go for you and that person, I will always l..."
"How is our summer patient?" Sarah didn't mind to knock as always. "Oh, Ken, already here. Again. What a lucky girl. Aren't you happy, Sora, for being surrounded by so much people who love you?" She winked at Ken as she finished her sentence.
Just Layla would be enough, Sora wanted to retort, who was totally oblivious of Sarah's intent, but she wouldn't say something that rude. She didn't understand why she would think like that. Of course, she was happy to be with her friends. But for now, she really needed Layla's presence. And she had to get rid of them before any other nonsense talk about love. She did not want anyone to be there when Layla came back. But before, she had to promise to go to a picnic the next day to celebrate Independence Day. Well, it was just another way for Sarah to reunite the troupe and drink.
In the meantime, Sora thought about her feelings for Layla. She knew she was clinging too much to her. Even more know, despite the fact she could see her every day. But she will go back soon to New-Work and I don't know when I will see her again. It was a complex situation. She wanted to enjoy the time she had with Layla but could not stop thinking of her departure, which made her really sad. She wanted them to be together forever. It was not normal to feel that way about a friend, who was a woman above all. Was she really in love? But Layla had her life in New-York. A life where she did not have a place. But Macquarie did. Sora despised herself for having those thoughts about Layla's ancient maid. But she could not help it. Not only she was lucky to live with her but she was also standing on the same scene. Something that would never happen to Sora. She did not understand why but felt threatened by Macquarie's presence in Layla's life.
"Sora." The Japanese girl was lost on her thoughts and did not hear Layla knocking the door. The blonde woman had a worried face as she sat in front of the girl. "You hadn't any fever when I left you this morning. So what is it now? Oh, I brought you some croissants. Did you eat?"
"No, I didn't. Thanks." She was embarrassed for wandering when Layla has arrived. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something." She stared at the woman and could not retain a gleeful smile. How could just seeing her could put her in such high spirits? Her cheeks became red while memories from yesterday came in her mind, when Layla had to change her clothes. Then an image of Layla's body made her own body feel warm. Why couldn't she forget that incident?
"Are you thinking about last night? Is that why your face is all red? You shouldn't worry about that. I'm sure you would do the same for me despite the embarrassment it was. So let's forget about it." She finished her sentence without looking at the girl. She remembered too well the view of Sora's naked chest and still had a hard time thinking about anything else.
"I'm sorry, Layla-san." She could not tell her the truth about yesterday's incident in Layla's house but still wanted to apologize.
"For what?" The American woman was lost and did not understand the meaning nor the necessity of Sora's apologies while she was the one with perverted thoughts.
She needed to find a distraction or she might tell the truth. "Ah! I think Rosetta is waiting for your opinion on her new figure. Let's go!" She grabbed the woman's hand and dragged her out of the room without waiting for her consent. It was only then that she noticed Layla's clothes. White fit skimmer pants and pork chop pockets with a tiny brown belt and a red short-sleeved top. Relaxed, but still classy.
They were now inside the gymnasium. It was the middle of the morning so it was already crowded. And of course, everyone stopped their trainings at the sight of Layla. That's why she would rather look at Rosetta's new movement at home, but Sora's little fever changed her plans. She sighed when some performers dared to approach her. Was it because they were news for most of them? Or because of the holiday? No, it was because of Sora's way of leading. The new people must think Layla was as accessible as her. It was not that she hated people, but she clearly did not like too much proximity with people she did not even know. They weren't family, nor friends neither an audience. And she was not Sora. An all smiles' stage was not her goal. It was Sora's dream. She only cared about the actual Kaleido Star, she was a part of her dreams. The other part was in Broadway now. She was not sure if judging Rosetta was a good idea. At the present time, she was a spectator concerning the Kaleido Stage.
Sora felt Layla had been tense since they entered in the training room. She had to do something otherwise she could start to show her irritation to the newcomers, who were not aware of it. She liked her even when she was harsh but the others might not take it as well she did. She grabbed the woman's hand to calm her down and took her responsibility as a leader. "Please everyone, we're just passing. Give us some privacy."
The members of the troupe were surprised. Sora did not show any anger or annoyance, but it was the first time she tried to keep distance from them. Even when they were not serious in their training, she always managed to motivate them in her own way. All she had to do was work harder with a smile that did not seem forced at all and be an example for them.
"I think you scared them." It was Rosetta who now was laughing hard.
"But...that wasn't my intention. I don't understand, I thought I could be as bossy as you. Guess that's not my thing." She scratched her head and seemed in deep thoughts for a moment. "Maybe I should apologize?"
"Are you kidding me?" Now Layla was pissed off. "You did nothing that should earn apologies. Listen, I don't want to criticize the way you lead the Kaleido Stage, but… Can't you be more... I don't know..."
"Bitchy?" Sora proposed with a smirk.
Layla sighed and she shrugged her shoulders as if there was nothing she could do about it. She remembered their differences, which were the reason their partnership worked so well in the past. That and the passion only that girl was able to make burn in her heart.
"Why don't you show us your moves, Rosetta?" The American said, ignoring all the whispers. She sat on a chair followed by Sora, ready to judge Rosetta.
Sensing the importance of the moment, everyone stopped moving, while Rosetta prepared herself for her little spectacle. However, she had hoped that less people had been there. Layla kept a straight face while Sora encouraged her.
The maneuver was simple at first sight. Rosetta started with her diabolo but step by step the diabolo was thrown higher and higher. Then Marion and Jonathan threw another diabolo at her, so it became a three diabolo shuffle. After a few more accelerations, the three diabolos where thrown in the air while Rosetta climbed on a trapeze and balanced until the other one was making an illusion. One could say she walked on the air thanks to the diabolos. The most stupendous part was when each diabolo she touched with her feet was thrown above her shoulder before she caught them and taking the other trapeze with her feet.
Silence filled the room for an instant before cheering replaced it.
"That's not something I could do, even with a shoulder at one hundred percent of its capacity. And I'm not talking about her diabolo technique. She was almost floating in the air with no opposite force to maintain her. You have to be quick and accurate in your movements to succeed in that." Layla did not stop her compliments, to Rosetta's pleasure.
Sora seemed to wait for something before giving her opinion, and it came.
"But, the end could be more surprising. And since you're using three diabolos why not use three trapezes? Above all, I don't see how you can insert the maneuver in a play and please the audience. It might be a little too complicate." Of course Layla could not be entirely satisfied just by the technique. She first was an artist.
"I think I know how to use it. It could be useful for Mulan during the battle part. I could do the same without the diabolo part." Sora said while playing with Jonathan with the diabolos.
The newcomers were lost by the conversation and Rosetta as well. "Without the diabolos? How?"
"I'll talk about it with Mia. But Layla is right. We need a third trapeze." She then showed a big smile to the redhead girl. "But I'm really impressed by your improvements. The day we'll be able to perform as true partners is not too far away."
"Sora!" Rosetta jumped on the Japanese showing her happiness.
Even Layla could not help the little smirk on her face. "Hum...At least we have someone able to win the next circus contest."
"Yep. Count on me!"
"I see. Everyone's against me. Maybe I should found someone else for the legendary maneuver." She crossed her arms to show her fake displeasure and Rosetta fell for it.
"What! No! You can't! You promised me!"
Everyone laughed loudly at Rosetta's overreaction. When she got the joke she joined and laughed. Layla took advantage of the gleeful moment to take Sora apart, outside the trapezes room. She seemed to hesitate before talking. "I'm sorry, Sora, but I have to go. The way I quit Macquarie's house yesterday wasn't polite. I need to apologize properly."
"You're leaving? For how long?" She tried to hide her disappointment but it was hard. Yet, she understood why Layla had to go. She caught the woman's top as a way to retain her even if she knew it was hopeless.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours. I swear." She grabbed the girl's hand to free herself and left after placing a kiss on her forehead. "Wait for me."
"I wouldn't have to if you stayed." Sora spoke for herself. She leaned on the wall and let herself fall as if she lost all of her strength when Layla left her. She didn't want to say it and yet she perfectly knew the true nature of her feelings. But if she admitted them, everything would change between them. As if it wasn't already hard to look at Layla in the eyes without having those dirty thoughts. Maybe if she hadn't seen in her room that day, she could still see her as a friend. That's what she wanted to believe at least. But now she could not think of anything else. And Layla's gentleness didn't help her. She knew it was absurd but sometimes she could swear she saw something more in the woman's eyes. Something more than friendship, at least.
Meanwhile, at the Smith's, the atmosphere was convivial. Mrs. Smith and Macquarie were enjoying Layla's company. The latter more than anyone. And Layla did everything to be a pleasant guest almost forgetting the sad face of Sora when she left her. Now she was explaining the reason of her departure.
"So how is your friend now?" Mrs. Smith asked.
"She's fine, more cheerful than ever." Layla answered with a delighted smile on her face that Macquarie did not miss.
"So it wasn't that serious. Maybe it wasn't necessary to go at her place, don't you think?"
Layla knew she might have overreacted but even if it was nothing, she needed to see Sora. She did not know why nor how to express it with words. "I..I just..."
"You can't neglect a fever. Layla was right to check on her friend. You would do the same if Layla was ill, wouldn't you?" Macquarie's mother knew how to handle her daughter's jealousy. But she also believed in the importance of Sora in Layla's recent changes. And it was a blessing to see the woman she almost considered a second daughter expressing her happiness without restraining herself, she hadn't done that since her mother's death.
"I guess so." Macquarie agreed reluctantly.
"Well, it was a pleasure to have you here, Layla. I hope to see you again before your return to New-York."
"I can't make a promise but I enjoyed the lunch much more than in any of New-Work's restaurants."
Mrs. Smith showed her surprise to the compliment. It really wasn't Layla's habit to praise anyone so sincerely. When she left the table to wash the dishes, Layla stood up by politeness and followed Macquarie to the living room. They sat on the couch in order to discuss a matter which annoyed the former maid more and more since they came back at Cape Mery.
"I'm happy to know that Sora feels better but was your presence really that useful, when she has all those people ready to help her?"
The other woman sighed. She seemed to sigh a lot lately. In the past, a simple look would leave her in peace but she could not behave like that again. Not with Macquarie at least. "Wouldn't it be simpler if you just told me what really is in your mind?"
The ancient maid decided to go straight to the point then. "Are you...are you in love with Sora?"
"What? What gave you that idea?"
"Are you denying it?" Deep down, Macquarie hoped she was wrong but all the signs were there, and she could not ignore them.
"O..Of course. I do not have that kind of feelings for Sora or anyone else." She quickly stood up looking at the entrance door. "I think I better leave now before I said something harsh. Tell your mom I had to go." And she left the house with no other words.
"Why leaving if it's not true?" Macquarie hid her face and the tears that started to fall. "Why choosing her instead of me? I was always there for you."
Without noticing it, her steps led her to the front of Sora's door. She had a second thought and was ready to leave when the door was open by Sora.
"Layla-san?" The girl seemed as surprised as her.
"How did you know I was here?"
"I don't know. I don't even know why I opened the door. I felt like someone was calling me." Sora tried to explain. "Huh. You're not coming in?"
Layla stayed outside the room without moving a muscle as if she was paralyzed. "No. Do you mind a walk?" She did not want to stay in a closed room with the girl, yet she did want to be with her at the same time.
"Sure. How about the beach?" The lilac-haired girl proposed with enthusiasm. She was happy to have a walk with the blonde woman. It's almost like a date. What are you thinking Sora? That's not a date at all. You have to be a couple for that and...and...
"Sora!"
"Sorry, I was..."
"...again lost in your thoughts. That's fine. Shall we go then?"
For the answer, Sora grabbed her arm and stayed close to her, and they walked like that until the beach. Layla tried to act as if Sora's touch did not make her feel anything but it was just an act. Macquarie's words did take long before haunting her. 'Are you in love with Sora?' I don't know.
"We arrived, Layla-san." The Japanese girl was more than excited as she quit her shoes and dipped in the sea. "Come, the temperature is good."
Layla sat on the sand and shouted towards the girl. "I'll pass. It's like your fever never happened." Sora grinned in high spirits and played with the water. She could look at this smile all day without being tired of it. Even for life.
The girl threw herself in front of Layla. "We're lucky to have the beach for ourselves if we're in summer. I guess it's too soon to swim and too dangerous to get a tan at this hour."
"Probably."
Then, Sora stood up and looked at Layla with a mysterious smirk on her face. The American woman did not get the reason of her sudden movement. "Touch!" And she started to run.
"Huh?" She was totally lost.
"It's your turn to catch me." The Japanese girl yelled a little farther.
"I'm too old for this!" Yet she started to follow the girl, closing up their distance, step by step. But every time she was about to catch her, Sora would speed as if her life was in danger. And despite the woman's frustration, she was laughing at loud. "Since when did she become that fast? I can't catch her like that." She stopped to take a breath. Then she suddenly fell on the sand.
"Layla-san! Oh my god, it's my fault. I killed Layla-san!" The girl was too in panic to notice Layla's smirk beyond her death.
"Touch!" Layla grabbed her arm, proud of the effect.
"Whaaa...No that's not fair!"
"You're the one who started the game with no warning. And I really was out of breath. I biked at work every day and yet I couldn't catch you."
"But you managed to catch me. Now you have to try to escape. And I won't fall for the same trick a second time." She sat on the woman, putting each of her legs in a side of her waist to prevent her from escaping her. Then, she crossed her arms as a way to defy the woman.
"Hmpf. You might be faster but I'm still stronger than you."
"Words. I'm waiting for aaaahh."
Layla rolled them with such facility that it surprised her. The blonde woman was now on the top between Sora's legs. It did not take them too long to realize their positions. But none of them dare to move. Looking at each other in the eyes, they could hear the other's heartbeats running faster and the heavy breathing. Layla's hand started to caress Sora's face. The Japanese girl swallowed, waiting for the blonde's action. Her fingers lingered on her lips. 'Are you in love with Sora?' She took the final step with a light kiss. Tender and shy at first. Then Sora's hands pressed against her back encourage her to deepen the kiss. Layla captured her lips with desire and lick them slowly with her tongue, pleading for an entrance the girl gave her without thinking twice. All the shyness disappeared, replaced by hunger for each other. But that wasn't enough. Layla left her lips for her neck, sucking, biting. The Japanese girl responded with sounds of pleasure, arching and totally surrendering herself to the blonde woman's touches and kisses. Never in her life had she felt like that. A hot fire was burning inside her. The strange sensation she felt when seeing Layla's naked back resurfaced.
"Oh my..."
A call from reality. Layla stopped what she was doing. It was like Sora's moan woke up her from her dream. It must be a dream. She could not have done something like that.
"Layla-san? Why did you..."
Layla did not let her finished. She was about to stand up realizing her behavior. But Sora was quicker.
"Don't!" almost cried Sora as she prevented the American woman to stand up with her weight, both of her hands behind her neck. "You're not fair. Are you intending to leave me after that? When I understood my feelings, I was lost 'cause I didn't know if it was ok to feel that way about a woman. But what I feared the most was that you would be disgusted by me." Sora made a pause and released -a little- Layla from her weight without changing her position. "Wondering what I would do if you met someone that made you fall in love? I knew I had no right to be that selfish but that's how I felt, that how I still feel. And after that kiss, I'm more than sure that I don't want someone to take you away from me." The Japanese girl finished her speech with a more firmness. She didn't have any doubts now. It was like this kiss erased all of them, one by one. The way Layla kissed her and touched her ended all of her fears. Why Layla didn't feel the same?
Layla raised up Sora's chin with her right hand to look her in the eyes, unsure about what to say. Things weren't that simple. It wasn't just about them. She had some responsibility with her family and Sora had a job in the Kaleido Stage that was not compatible with such relationship. And yet, knowing the girl shared her feelings made her happy. She took Sora's hands away from her neck and stood up. The girl did the same waiting for her reaction.
The American woman sighed again and seemed to hesitate before speaking."Sora. Do you understand the complications that come by having a relationship with a woman when you're a popular artist?"
"I just wanna be with you, whatever the consequences."
"Even if that meant losing the Kaleido Stage?" Layla asked skeptically.. She knew Sora's naivety could mislead her from reality sometimes.
"Why would I have to lose it?" She didn't understand. "Nothing changed for Sarah and Kalos after they became a couple."
"We're not them. Firstly you're the Kaleido Star, with shows mostly aiming a familial audience. Then, we're two girls and I'm sure even in Japan a lesbian couple isn't very welcome in the family. Eventually, the press will exaggerate everything like they always do with celebrities. Sometimes they'll even invent stories that could be harmful. Are you sure you're ready for that?" Layla warned her.
Sora had to admit she didn't think of those issues about a gay relationship. She was just afraid of Layla not sharing the same love. "Maybe, they won't care. I mean the public likes us. Perhaps they'll be glad for us."
"You didn't think about it, did you?"
Reluctantly, the Japanese girl could only acquiesce to the woman statement.
"Then, you should. And so do I. Because even if we are prudent, one day or another the truth will come out. And I doubt an Angel maneuver would be enough to stop the conflict that might happen." Layla added sarcastically.
"But.."
"Don't...Don't say a word. Even if you are so sure, I need some time." She approached to the girl and let a light kiss on her forehead. "I don't think I'll see you tomorrow."
Sora watched Layla leaving the beach without looking back before shouting. "I'll be waiting for you for as long as it takes!" The woman turned back with a little smile, and then left for good, leaving Sora alone on the beach. "But don't make me wait too long." She whispered to herself as she touched the mark Layla left on her neck. The only proof left of their shared desire.