Disclaimer : All the characters belongs to Jun'ichi Sato and Gonzo.
Chapter checked by Emyon (Beta reader)
After leaving Sora, Layla returned home quickly, staying in bed to think of all the implications. She didn't notice the sunset announcing the end of the day. Her father came back a few times after. Dinner started as usual, as they discussed unimportant matters, just trying to catch up the time they wouldn't have in New-York. The American woman didn't let out any sign of her trouble. That was the last thing she could tell her father. She didn't even want to talk about it with him.
At the moment, he was busy talking on the phone about the Hamilton's party with some important coworkers and investors. She almost forgot. She would have to tolerate women talking about the happiness of being married to business men –that they barely saw–, having child –they barely raised– without working. Layla was not someone to judge people's choices, so she didn't care about what they were thinking about her life's choices. Now that she thought about it, Sora was the same way. No, she was more of a crazy girl who wasn't afraid to live her dreams and choose her own path. She was fond of this side of Sora more than anything else, but life wasn't a stage. Some choices had real consequences.
She sighed again and entered in her room, almost falling in her bed, when her phone rang. It was Cathy, probably having a new idea for the next show. That would be a good distraction, she thought. She sat on her bed and answered the call.
"Hi, Cathy." She tried to not sound troubled on the phone.
"Heeellloooo! I assumed a few days in Cape Mery would have given you more energy. Is Sora with you? Tell her hiiii!" The redhead woman was in high spirits as always and even a phone couldn't hide it.
"No she's not here. It is night here, but I'll tell her when I see her. Is there any reason for your call?" She needed to get away from the Sora topic before Cathy found out that something happened. She didn't know how but that woman had some type of superpower to sense this kind of things.
"I know it's night, but isn't that the best time of day for couple's activities?"
"Couple? What- Why are you saying that?" It seemed that her superpowers could work from a long distance.
"Guess I'm right. So who took the first step? I was afraid none of you would be able to make a move before someone else came in the middle."
"I don't know what you're talking about! Nothing happened!" She already knew she had been defeated but she wouldn't admit it that easily.
"Maybe I should call Sora, then. I'm sure she'll be more obedient." In fact, Cathy was really curious to know what actually happened, even though playing with Layla's reactions was funny as hell.
"Fine. You won." Layla let herself fall on her bed. That really wasn't her day. But she didn't know how or where to start. Everything happened so fast. At least that was what she wanted to believe.
"So?" The redhead woman was a little impatient.
On the contrary, Layla intended to pretend the whole thing had been an accident with no effects whatsoever, but now that she had to explain it, she couldn't lie anymore. "I kissed her. I can't explain it. I didn't plan anything, it just happened."
"Please Layla, don't tell me you backed off like a coward. That's really not like you. Poor Sora…" She suspected something like that would happen, but she had hoped Layla would be less rigid on that situation. She presumed love would change her more than her last bike trip.
On the other side of the phone Layla was reflecting on Cathy's words. Of course from an outsider's point of view, it might seem cowardly, but she needed some time. You don't enter in any kind of relationship just because some physical attraction. Was she in love with Sora? Again those words… "How can you tell you're in love someone?"
"Oh my! Layla, do you really think you would ask that if it wasn't already the case?"
Yeah, she already knew it but that wasn't the real problem. So she tried something else. "It could ruin her career."
"Shouldn't that be Sora's choice?" Cathy objected, knowing it was just another excuse.
"I would let her make that choice if she wasn't living in some fantasy world where everyone is happy as long as she also is." Layla's replied sarcastically. She didn't like it. Her old self was resurfacing. She thought she was ready to open herself more to others, but could she start a relationship without upsetting her? Sora still had an ideal image of her. How would she react in front of jealousy? And maybe selfishness?
"Well it's Sora. You can't expect her to think the worst about people. And maybe she's right, have you considered that?"
You cannot be sure of that, she thought. But that wasn't a reason to not take a risk, Layla knew it. She would willingly take that risk, with no second thoughts, if it was her career. But she couldn't put Sora's career at risk. She wanted to protect the Japanese girl from her own kindness and naivety. But a part of her also wanted to believe in Sora's positive mind.
"Let her decide for herself, for God's sake!" Sometimes, just sometimes, Layla listened to Cathy's advice. Of course it only worked with personal matters. No one could give advice to Layla Hamilton concerning her work. And she did try. A lot. With no results.
What was it? What was the reason for her fear? The blonde woman stayed pensive awhile before speaking again. "Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll let her decide." She wasn't sure it was the best thing to do for Sora's sake, but she had to admit that the feelings she had for the Japanese girl were strong -she couldn't say the L word yet. And she wasn't immune to Sora's words, which she still remembered perfectly.
"Good. I know it's not like you, but let me know how that goes?"
"I can't promise I will. Good night, Cathy."
"Good night to you too, sweet dreams." Then she hung up.
Memories of their last kiss appeared again in her mind. "She said it on purpose!" She sighed with her right arm on her forehead. This night would probably be long.
The next day, a lot of people were gathering in Cape Mery's park to celebrate the Independence Day, and a marathon was organized after the Mayor's speech. Sora and her friends gathered almost at the end of the park, between some trees that formed a semi-circle around them and provided enough shadows so they could enjoy the day without worrying about the sunrays and too much heat. A picnic table cloth was put in the middle of everyone. Sandwiches were made by Sarah with Marion's help. Rosetta and Sora were in charge of drinks and Vince and Jy Sung carried everything from the dorms. Apparently, Ken was somewhere else in the park with his family. They decided to greet them later. At the moment, they were arguing about participating or not in the marathon.
"I'm not sure Rosetta. Kalos would be mad if something happened." Sarah was glad that everyone wanted to have fun that day and forget about work but there was a risk when you ran with no preparation.
"Yeah, she's right. Even if it's just for fun. No one wants you to be hurt, little bird." The Korean boy used his right hand to put his bangs out of his face. He liked his bangs since they were a part of his charm. Girls always fell for it, but sometimes they were a pain. He didn't forget to wink at the redhead girl as always. And as always Rosetta's answer was to come closer to Sora.
"Isn't she too young for you?" The black man whispered in his friend's ear.
"She'll grow up. Seduction is an arduous and long work. But the girl has to know you're interested first. Or I'll be as pathetic as Ken, pinning for a girl who only sees him as a friend." It wasn't his intention to jibe at Ken's behavior but he couldn't approve his useless moves either. Sora might be oblivious but that's why you have to be more persistent. Even if you had to pass for a punchy guy. Jy Sung was sure that the lilac-haired girl was more about actions than words.
Even Vince could only agree. Sorry Ken, can't defend you on that. "Maybe we could help him about Sora?"
"How? She doesn't even know what he feels. We can't say in his place."
"Well, I was thinking about an opportunity. That way he'll be forced to declare his love. You know, like trapping them in a close place." The black man suggested. He just had the idea but it might work with a little luck. How could Ken fail?
"What's with all the whispering?" Marion asked, a little suspicious.
"Nothing. Nothing. We were just talking about a friend of ours, unable to tell the girl he's in love with his real feelings." The Asian boy thought it's was a good way to have Sora's opinion on the matter without betraying their friends' trust.
"Oh!" All the girls except Sora knew who it was.
Unaware of the truth, Sora decided to join the conversation. "Poor boy. And she doesn't know anything?"
"Nope." Vince was hesitating. What if Sora understood everything by the end? Then he thought that might not be a bad thing for Ken. At least she would know how he feels. "What would you do in his place?"
"Hmm. It's a difficult situation if we're not sure about her feelings." Thinking about this boy's situation made her consider her own. What if Layla hadn't kissed her that day? Would she dare taking the first step, with the risk of ruining their friendship? She was happy things went the other way. Now, all she had to do was wait for Layla. Well, she wouldn't wait for too long. She was ready to act if she had to. Yeah, acting was better. "He must tell her, I guess."
"Really? What if she doesn't feel the same? They're working together. Things would be awkward between them." Jy Sung was aware of Ken's fear about losing his relationship with Sora, and if he could win some information to ease it, that might help.
Next to Sora, Rosetta had some difficulties not to laugh about the whole situation. Marion and Sarah on the other hand didn't care and were almost rolling over themselves on the ground. "What's so fun about it?" The Japanese girl asked still unaware. Getting no reply except more laughs, she turned around to the two boys. "Whatever. If he loves her, he must tell her. How is she supposed to know otherwise?"
"Yeah, we agree with you on that. But what's about you Sora, do you love someone?"
Suddenly all the laughs stopped. Everyone was holding their breath. Depending on Sora's answer, Ken's chances would increase or decrease.
And Sora didn't hesitate one second before giving her answer. "I am."
"What!" To say that they were all shocked by Sora's revelation was an understatement. They all believed that she was too focused on her work to be interested in love.
Sora, on the contrary, was a little amused by her friends' reactions. She herself still didn't know what was happening with her and Layla, but it felt so natural. Now that she understood she was in love with the blond woman, everything was clear, everything was beautiful, everything made her happy. All of her face was saying that she was in love. Now that they knew the truth, all of them could see it. How could they have missed it? They all looked at each other, searching for an answer, but no one had one.
Vince was the first to speak. "Hem, could we know his name?"
"He? But it's a..." She didn't finish her sentence. Layla's warning hit her abruptly. She couldn't tell who it was anyway or Layla would be mad. "It's a secret!"
"Come on, Sora! You said too much." Sarah pleaded.
"You're right. I already told you too much." She stood up seeking for a way out. "Rosetta, let's go. Maybe running is a good idea." She didn't wait for the Belgian girl to move and was already far away.
"Catch her!" Sarah ordered to the two boys.
"Roger!"
"Sora run!" Marion encouraged her while Rosetta was following her.
"Heh! You're not supposed to be in her side." Sarah objected.
"But we can't force Sora to tell us who she loves, if she doesn't want to."
"Marion, Marion. You'll be twelve this year, right?" The girl confirmed with the head. "You don't understand the satisfaction of teasing your friends about love." Seeing that Marion still wasn't convinced, the English woman added. "And how am I supposed to tease her if I don't know who she loves?"
"If you say so." She didn't see the point on arguing with the woman's logic.
Not too far away, in another location in the park, the Robbins were enjoying the marathon run.
"Isn't it Sora with the runners?" M. Robbins asked, not sure if he should trust his eyes.
"What! But you're right, it's her and Rosetta! And Vince and Jy Sung are following them too." Ken was lost. No one told him they intended to participate in the marathon. It wasn't a good idea. One of them might end hurt. Sora might be hurt. He didn't train her for a marathon. Ken wanted to stop the girl but his mother stopped him first.
"What do you think you're going to do? Following them until your heart breaks?" Mrs. Robbins was aware of her son's love for Sora but she couldn't let him do something that stupid. "She'll be fine. I'm sure they're just having some fun. I don't think they're serious about the run."
"Your mother's right. Sit down Ken."
It was more an order than a suggestion. And the American boy knew he couldn't catch them before collapsing. He let himself fall on the table cloth hopelessly.
"Talking about Sora..." His mother started. "...how are things between you?"
"Hmm, I think I'll just stay in friend zone."
"What! Why? Do you not love her anymore?" His mother was surprised. She had always believed that one day or another, Sora would become her daughter-in-law. Half of the job was done since they were friends with the Naegino. Why was her son giving up?
"That's not the problem. I still love her. But she doesn't feel the same." Ken refused to look his family in the eyes. It was hard enough to be rejected without trying to do something. He didn't want to see the pity in his parent's eyes.
"Oh my, she rejected you. But when did you..."
"I didn't." Ken interrupted his sister Lucy. "She kind of told me that she was in love with someone else."
"I'm not sure I understand. What 'kind of' is supposed to mean?" M. Robbins was as lost as his wife.
"Well. She didn't actually say it. I think she was afraid of saying it. But it's true. She is in love with someone. Someone that is not me. That's all I know."
"So you never told her? Is that right?" Ken nodded to his father. "Then, the battle just started!"
"Huh!" Now Ken was lost. "What battle?"
"The one for love, of course!" His father replied.
"Yeah, well said dad. Love is a battlefield."
"But why fighting if she loves someone else?" The honey haired boy didn't want to sound pessimistic but his chances were more than low.
"And how did you think I won over you mom? She was engaged with another guy but I showed her she was making a mistake. You can thank me for insisting. You and Lucy wouldn't be here otherwise. Hahahaouch!"
Mrs. Robbins just pinched her husband to show her displeasure. "You could avoid the last part!" She then faced her son. "But your father is right. Sora's not married. If you really think she's the girl for you, you should fight for her. But first you have to tell her about your feelings."
Ken wasn't sure if his mother's words were an advice or an order but they gave him some strength. After all, Sora wasn't yet in a couple. Leon was still in France until Saturday. That left him one day to act. Today was the day. No place for failure this time. "You're right. I'm gonna tell her I love her. I'm gonna tell her that I'm serious, then maybe, maybe..."
"Now?" His sister asked with a hopeful face.
"Huh! Now may be too soon. And she's running, remember? I might bother her even if I manage to find her."
"Find who?"
The Robbins turned around an unexpected guest. Out of nowhere, Sora appeared with her usual smile, waiting to be invited.
"Sora! Hi! Sit there. Ken, make some place for her!"
If Mrs. Robbins was in panic, it was nothing in comparison with Ken. His dad winked at him thinking it would encourage him, but it was quite the opposite. Lucy, on the other hand, was excited by the situation. This time her brother couldn't escape. He had to tell her.
Unconscious of her hosts' state, Sora sat between Lucy and Ken, and picked up a sandwich. "Can I? Sarah's ones didn't seem edible. How can you fail in making sandwiches? Haha"
"Of course, you don't need to ask. You're part of the family, aren't you?" Mrs. Robbins refused to see anyone else other than Sora as her daughter-in-law.
"Sure." For Sora all of her friends were like a family. She picked another sandwich. Escaping the two guys was exhausting. But they were now in a worse state than her. Rosetta on the other hand was still running. She would have to return to where Sarah and Marion were, sooner or later, but at the moment she wanted to enjoy the Robbins' company. "Are you ok, Ken?"
"What! Yes, I'm fine. I'm fine. Everything is fine. What about you Sora?" The twenty-one year old boy didn't know how to stay calm when the object of his affection was sitting a few inches away. How was he supposed to tell her?
"It couldn't be better!" The Japanese girl had a happy expression that didn't let any doubt about her statement.
"Oh. Did you have some news about Leon?"
"Leon? Why? Did something happen to him?" Sora was now worried.
"No! Absolutely not! It's just..." Ken was searching for an excuse but couldn't think of anything.
So it's that Leon guy. Maybe she was confused because of their partnership, thought Mr. Robbins. They wouldn't be the first nor the last artistic pair to confuse a good partnership with love.
Reassured about the French man, Sora picked up another sandwich, wanting to ask something to Ken's mother. "Did my parents call you about their future trip?"
"Oh yeah. They'll stay at our place as usual. We're really glad to see them again. And the little Yume. Apparently she's walking now."
"Yeah, I can't wait to teach her some gymnastic move." The image of Yume doing the tree made Sora laugh so hard that she almost choked. "Sorry." She drank some water offered by Mrs. Robbins. "Thanks." Now that her parents called the Robbins, their trip was more than certain. It would be the best opportunity to present Layla to her family. Speaking of her, Sora was fighting hard to not come at her place. She knew she had agreed on waiting, but time was going too slowly. She wanted to see her, right now.
Her hosts didn't miss her sudden sadness. "Is everything all right, Sora?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah. I'm just a little tired." Tired of waiting, she wanted to add, but it would lead to another question that she didn't want to answer. "The sandwiches were delicious, Mrs. Robbins. Can I pick some for Rosetta?"
"Of course. But are you already leaving?"
"Yeah. The marathon ended, Rosetta might be searching for me." She got up, followed by a determined Ken. "Ken?"
"I'll come with you. There is something I want to tell you."
The American boy seemed so serious at this moment that Sora didn't know what to say. "Hmm. Ok, let's go then." She excused herself from the Robbins before heading to her previous locations with Ken.
The awkwardness during their walk was soon replaced by some heaviness in the air that Sora couldn't explain, but she could sense it. It's like the boy would explode in a second or another. It was just a matter of time. "Ken? You said you had something to tell me?"
"Yes. I do."
"So?" They were about to reach their destination. They were almost in front of the trees hiding their locations. The others could probably see them. Seeing how Ken was struggling, she stopped walking, so at least the others could not hear them.
Gathering all his courage, Ken decided to be straight to the point this time. "Sora, I love you. I know you love someone else but I wanted you to know that whatever happens with this person my feelings for you won't change. I'll be waiting, always." Finally, he said it. He was kind of proud of himself. Looking for the girl's reaction, he could see the surprise on her face. As he thought, she was only thinking of him of her friend. "Sora?" She wasn't responding at all, almost petrified. He could hear some whispers coming from behind. Well, he didn't say something the others didn't already know.
"It was you..."
"What?" He was confused.
"They were talking about you from the start."
"Ooops. We're busted!" It was Jy Sung and Vince. Rosetta, Marion and Sarah followed not so long after. "Sorry, bro'. We wanted to test the temperature so we asked her some questions without saying your name. But now that you declared your love, even Sora could do the equation.
"I see." Ken wasn't happy with the audience but he was more worried with Sora. She was still looking at him as if he announced the end of the world. Why couldn't she look at him as a man she could love?
"Sora? I think Ken is waiting for an answer. Anything else other than silence would be nice." Sarah quickly understood, by the Japanese girl's shocked state, that Ken's feelings weren't shared. She put her hand on the girl's shoulders to shake her a little.
She had to say something. She couldn't leave him waiting for nothing. But what could she say? "I-I'm sorry, but you're a friend, Ken. The best friend a girl could dream of, but only a friend." Even if she forced herself, she couldn't see him as a lover, not even a potential one.
"Oh, the F word. Two years for that. Pitiful. Ouch!" The Korean boy held his stomach after receiving a physical warning from Sarah.
"Two years?" She couldn't believe she didn't see anything in two years. Because of her, Ken suffered during two years and it would last some time yet before he could pass to someone else. "Why now?"
"That's right, why now? Where did you find the motivation?" Vince was also curious. Until then, Ken had always been content with his friend status.
"Maybe he also found out that Sora was in love with someone?" Marion suggested.
Everyone passed from Sora to Ken waiting for a confirmation.
"Yeah. I thought it was my last chance."
Sora placed a hand over her mouth, realizing how Ken learned the truth about her feelings. How could she have been so insensitive to him? "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you like that." She moved back from some steps before running out for good.
"Sora!" Rosetta shouted, but it was too late.
"But what about Sora's loved one?" Vince asked.
"One thing at a time. It's better to leave her alone. She needs some time." Sarah advised.
"Can I say all of it is pitiful now?"
"Don't listen to him. You did the only thing you could do."
Vince taped on his shoulder to show his concern, but Ken was more concerned about Sora. He should have known she would be upset. "No, he's right. I made her cry. I thought that even if I could not be anything more than a friend, then at least I would never make her sad. But even with that I failed." He also left his friends, not really in a mood to hear another remark from Jy Sung.
"Well, in Korea, nationals' days are usually more joyful. I won't forget this one."
Vince and the girls could only agree on that. The next days would be awkward. And with the vacationers returning Saturday, more trouble would come.
In the hotel lobby of one of the Hamilton Group Foundation the atmosphere was warm for a business party. The best employees and managers were gathered with the investors. Most of them came with their wives or husbands for business purposes. The perfect image of stability. It was in that day that some of them would be promoted. It was rare for a single person to be chosen. They had to work harder than the others. Even more if it was a woman. The managers were always afraid of the consequences of a pregnancy. Of course, they never said it out loud.
It was almost the end of the afternoon, and after fulfilling her duty by speaking to some investors' wives, Layla sat on the hotel bar to meditate on her situation. She had planned to speak to Sora on the night after the dinner. She couldn't avoid her father on that. Since he was a widower, he counted on his daughter to escort him. Anyway, she wasn't in hurry to see the girl. No… That wasn't true. She wanted to see her again from the moment she left her, but she didn't know how things would be after that kiss. The Japanese girl clearly wanted to be in a relationship. A relationship that could be a problem for both of them, but mostly for Sora. And yet, a part of her wanted it too. It wasn't the wise thing to do. One day someone would find out, and they would have to come back to reality. Just like in her last dream where Kalos blamed her for ruining Sora's career. Maybe Fool could foretell them how all of this would end. No, she already knew what she wanted. She wanted to...
"Hey Layla. It's been a long time! May I sit?" A handsome tall man with brown hair and a light beard sat next to her. Some would say he was near his thirties but no more as his beard could be misleading.
Layla looked at him intensely before answering. "Shouldn't you be speaking with the investors? I thought you wanted to supersede my father, Archibald."
The said Archibald Spencer grinned a little and threw a glance towards Mr. Hamilton and his investors. "I'm not married, I'm not forty. Even your father's support is not enough for them. Those old men only trust dinosaurs like them." He laughed at his own joke and turned to his neighbor. "But maybe if I married the Hamilton's daughter, they would take me more seriously."
The blond woman didn't reply immediately. It wasn't the first time he proposed to her as if it was a simple formality for his business purpose. "Why don't you marry someone you love and wait to be forty? If it was me, I wouldn't let you run the Group either. You do not seem serious at all!"
"I have results."
"You're not the only one."
"I don't want to wait ten years. I'm ready now. Why wait? I know I'm better than anyone else for the job."
When he spoke like that, he reminded her of Sora. Just a little. Actually, they weren't the same at all. He never seemed serious in his job and yet, at the end of the day, everything was perfectly done. He never cared for others. A free man who wanted to rule closed-minded people. Why? To prove them he was someone. Pitiful.
"So you agree to marry me?"
"No!"
"Why? Do you have someone?"
Before she could tell a lie, her eyes already betrayed her.
"Oh! Oh!" He was surprised for the first time in a long time. "I wonder what kind of person that must be. I always thought you'd end in an arranged marriage or a marriage of convenience –with me of course. Guess I was wrong." He took a drink and looked again to the other guests in the room. "I don't see anyone here who could melt your heart. Everyone's boring. So?"
Dring. Dring. It was her phone. She didn't know the number but it was a good distraction. "Yes."
"Ah! Layla. Sarah here with Rosetta's phone. Is Sora with you?"
"Why should she be with me? Aren't you supposed to be playing in the park or something like that?" She tried to not sound too worried in her voice with Archibald still there. This guy was smarter than he looked.
"Actually we were watching a marathon but something happened and Sora left. We thought she was in her room but no one saw her in the dorms, and that was three hours ago. So we were hoping she had rejoined you." The English woman explained everything without taking a breath showing the seriousness of the situation.
Layla stared at the rain falling through the windows. A torrential storm, which was getting dangerous for people outdoors. Where the hell could she have gone? And what upset her enough to make her leave like that? She didn't have time to think about it. She had to find her first. "I'll go get her." She hung up and turned around the man who was sitting next to her. "I need you to cover my retreat. I don't think I'll come back so find something for my father and his guests."
"You won't give me any explanation? Who is that girl that's making you leave an important dinner for your father?"
She didn't have time for his questions nor did she want to give him an answer. "Can you cover me or not?"
He crossed his arms in an attempted to seem serious. "You can count on me." But he couldn't help a laugh.
Yet she knew she could trust his words. She peeked in her father's direction and quickly left the hotel avoiding the others guests. It was pouring outside. Worse than she thought at first. She decided to call Yuri instead of asking the family's driver. He might report to her father before she could find Sora. She didn't have to wait long. She entered in his car in a hurry but couldn't avoid some raindrops.
The Russian man spoke first. "Do you have an idea where she might be?"
"No. I don't even know why she left." Layla was angry. The weather seemed worse as time passed. She should have stayed with Sora today.
"Well, apparently, Ken confessed his love to her and Sora felt bad for rejecting him." Yuri examined her friend's expression furtively before concentrating on the road. The weather wasn't on their side.
That was an ironic situation for sure, almost laughable if Sora wasn't lost in a pouring rain, thought Layla. Why did he choose that day to tell her? Would Sora reject him if yesterday's incident didn't happen? Then a light hit her head. "Go to my house! Now!"
The blond man sped the car understanding that something else might occur. "When Sarah called me to explain the events of day, I wondered why you weren't with Sora. Is there something you want to talk about?"
"Should I always be with her?"
He instantly grinned. "I believe that even before you father, she's the main reason that brings you back in Cape Mery. You have a new life in New-York with a new career and yet you can't help but come back here frequently. If you missed the Kaleido Stage so much, you would manage a way to work there. But what you're looking for is the Kaleido Star herself."
Layla chose to ignore his statement. She didn't consider herself as a person easy to read but she might admit that her recent actions spoke very loud. She was more cautious usually, but Sora was upset and in danger. She would deal with the consequences later.
Yuri didn't ask for any further explanation until they reached their destination. She didn't waste any time in thanking her friend as she get out of the car. As she thought, she found the girl sitting in front of her gateway. "Sora. Sora why are you out here in the rain? Do you want to catch another fever?" She wanted to scold at her but she sound more worried than angry. She typed the password to open the gate and helped the girl up. Now face to face, she could see the sadness in Sora's eyes. She wasn't sure of what to do in this situation.
Seeing the Japanese girl in this state didn't seem natural to Yuri. "I'll go reassure her friends. Take care of her."
She thanked him before he left with his car. Right then she needed to take Sora inside, who still refused to talk. She took her hand and led her to her bathroom. They were both soaked to the skin. A warm bath was needed. She started to run the hot water when she felt the girl's body in her back. "Sora?"
"Can I stay like this for a while?"
Layla turned, took the girl in her arms and let her cry for a while.
As a sensitive person, the lilac-haired girl was blaming herself for being responsible for her friend's pain. If Layla didn't exist maybe she would have given the boy a chance. But she was there and Sora didn't want to be with anyone else. Even if her feelings were one-sided, and that wasn't the case. She tightened the embrace to make sure of the woman's presence.
"The bath is ready. Hurry up if you don't want to catch a cold again." Layla put an end to their embrace looking at the girl who seemed less apathetic. "I'll wait in my room. Take your time. We'll talk after." She took a towel and opened the door which led directly to her room.
In another bathroom, Layla removed her white lady's suit and quickly washed, then changed for a negligée. She didn't plan to get out again in that weather. And soon, the moon would replace the sun. Then she took a nightshirt from her wardrobe. In the bathroom attached to her room, Sora was still drying herself after finishing the bath. The American woman knocked slightly before she opened the door.
"I thought you would need some clothes for the night."
"Huh. I can spend the night?" Sora was pleasantly surprised.
The woman just nodded and returned hastily to her room. The Japanese girl was so reckless. She was holding her tower on her front body loosely. Where's the need for imagination after seeing that?
It didn't take too long for Sora to come. She sat with the woman on the bed, like she was told, unsure of what to say. "Thanks for letting me in. I walked to your house without thinking but you weren't here. I forgot my phone and the rain started. It was like a bad omen. But I didn't want to return in the Kaleido Stage. Everyone there is going to ask questions."
Layla let the girl finish her explanation wondering if those events weren't a result of fate's hand forcing her to keep her promise. She wasn't sure that she would have gone to talk to the girl otherwise. She laughed at herself.
Sora was lost. Did she say something funny? "Layla-san?"
The blonde woman looked up at the girl, stopping her laugh. "Sorry. It's not because of you. I don't think it was a bad omen. On the contrary, I'm happy we can spend the night together when you're not sick." It was the right moment to keep her promise. "Actually, I wanted to see you. I wanted to apologize for leaving you alone on the beach yesterday. I was afraid of the future of both of us. But today, I understand that I shouldn't have let you decide by yourself."
"Really? Does that mean you want us to... We can be a c..." Suddenly she was afraid of saying it loudly. What if she was wrong? What if Layla still wasn't sure of their relationship and wanted to stay friends like she had told Ken? Well, at least, they could comfort themselves in their misery. How ironic.
The blond woman noticed the changes in the lilac-haired girl's expressions and immediately understood her doubts. So she decided to take some actions. She closed the distance between them and raised Sora's head.
"L-Layla-s..."
She interrupted her with a firm kiss. If their first kiss was an accident and the second one more passionate, this one was slightly better. It was a kiss of love. Even if she was inexperienced, Sora recognized all the love Layla showed in their third kiss. She didn't need an explanation; words could wait for another occasion. She caught the woman's hand in a way to ask her to deepen the kiss. It didn't take too long for Layla to comply with her demand when she laid her on the bed. Emotions melted even after they ended the kiss. Happiness, relief, peace. They stayed in the same position a little while just enjoying each other presence.
"I'm so happy. I'm so happy. How can I be so happy when others people are in pain by my fault?" Tears of joy and sadness were covering Sora's face.
Layla dried them with her finger and stared at her new girlfriend. She was afraid of the consequences their relationship might have for the girl's career or for her family but she never thought about other people. The Japanese girl was so emotional that she could not ignore people's feelings. "It's not your fault. You can't prevent others from loving you or hating you. One day he'll get over it and you'll laugh at it together. One day for sure. But there's nothing you can say or do today that could erase his pain."
"I know". The Kaleido Star hid her head on the woman's neck and tightened their embrace. She just needed to hear these words from someone, but she still felt guilty for not understanding Ken's feelings sooner. She looked at the window. The rain had stopped. Then suddenly, as a sign from fate, a firework show started to celebrate the day. She didn't waste any time to make a wish for a bright future, both for professional and personal purposes. "Everything is perfect." As long as she avoided thinking about the woman's return to New-York and Ken's sorrow, everything was perfect.