All the characters belong to Juni'chi Sato and Gonzo.

Cherry blossom and slight breeze still embraced Tokyo and its suburbs. The Naeginos lived in Tokyo suburbs, in one of those typical building of three or four stairs. Neighborhood was nice and welcoming. However, the housewives didn't have better occupation than gossips. Of course, it never was something too outrageous just enough for entertainment. And it was forgotten as fast as it happened. But this week's rumors was about the Naegino family itself.

Manami, one of Sora's friends in their public high school was actually heading to the Naeginos when she heard the next-door neighbor, a woman in her forties, and two other women speaking loudly of their troubles.

"So, are they moving out? Because, my niece and her family would be interested in." It was Mrs Suzuki, she probably was some queen-bee in her teens years, since everyone seemed to take her view as a commandment. And she was doing it naturally. Maybe her physical appearance helped her a little. Like she was always coming from a hairdresser's and a beauty salon. Even at the sunset.

"I dunno but a bailiff came yesterday, so...It can't be good." Replied Mrs Nagano with a Kansai accent. She was the smaller of the three women and she always wore a gym suit as an evidence of her never-ending diet. Any progress being deleted by her uncontrollable gluttony.

"Who knew such a good man could contract such a debt. And in this economy!" This time it was Mrs Ayanami. Her severe face perfectly matched with her old glasses and her thin lips.

"It always like that, the goo-"

Manami didn't have to hear more of it as Midori Naegino welcomed her after a short time of waiting. Sora's mother slightly bowed at her neighbors who stopped their talk when she opened the door. A hypocritical behavior that didn't last as soon as she closed the door.

Inside the house, Manami was trying to cheer on her mother's friend despite the seriousness of her situation. Chikara Naegino was a salary-man who tried to start his own business with acquaintance's advices. But it didn't turned well and now he has to pay back his creditors.

To tell the truth, even if they were in bad position, the Naegino always tried to stay as optimistic as possible. Their older daughter taught them that any dream could become truth if you tried enough. So he was working hard until night to lower the debt faster and his wife who only worked at part-time was at full-time now. She came back from her job just in time to cook something. It wasn't as rich as before but the food was still good. And on the afternoon, Manami would take care of Yume, Sora's little sister, after she picked her up from kindergarten. And they really believed that they could go on like that until the debt was paid. But the visit from the bailiff yesterday was like a call-back from reality. creditors were impatient. The Japanese economy was in a worse state than he believed when he started his company. The next appointment was in three months.

Maybe they will have to ask for their daughter help like Manami advised them to. But pride was stopping from it. "There's no need to concern Sora about it!" He shouted fist on the table. "Once we arrived in America, we'll start a new life. I told you already found me a new job. We will still pay back our creditors but being in another country will lessen their hunt so that we can repay them in a more sensible time frame." He finished to explain.

Manami understood more than anyone how pride dictated Japanese people life but the Naeginos were also lying to their daughter which was as shameful. But she respect them too much to say anything to her friend. After all she was also leaving the country to live her dream. She finally has the money for her hairdresser's school but prefer to be as far as possible from her parents in fear they tried and succeeded in changing her mind. Well, let's hope Sora doesn't also have some kind of hidden secret. Might be funny or not, she thought, which made her chuckle.

Sunday's morning was as sunny as usual at Cape Mery. Everyone was preparing for today's shows except Kalos and Yuri who was assisting him in Kaleido business. There was an important meeting in his office with Mr. Kenneth, the main shareholder, and Mr. Hamilton who wanted to get back some of his old shares.

"Actually, I'm glad to see you take a new interest in the stage, Richard. Because my son isn't." Mr. Kenneth said in a gloomy tone sitting on the red sofa in the middle of the room. His old age was showing more and more and so was his tiredness.

"What's about your son, Mr. Kenneth? I don't understand." A lost Yuri asked. Unlike all the other people in the room he wasn't in a seat which added more to his anxiety.

His interlocutor sighed loudly looking for an answer while Kalos looked pensive behind his desk, staring outside, both arms on the armchair of his seat. Mr. Hamilton was the only one who seemed relaxed, legs crossed on the one seat sofa playing with his phone. "Stop looking for words Robert and just spell the truth." Richard Hamilton's words almost seemed like a command a father will make to his son afraid to admit his faults.

Yuri glanced at both of them and searched for an explanation from Kalos who was now facing everyone. "He's retiring from all of his business if the rumor is true." That's all the Kaleido director said in a monotone voice, almost resigned.

"Then...are we gonna have to deal with your son, now?" Yuri's question was hopeful and bitter at the same time as he remembered Mr. Kenneth words about his son apparently not interested.

The main shareholder of the Kaleido put his chin on his cane while he talked. "When I created my company, I borrow money from my step-father. He became the main shareholder. He gave everything to my first born when he died." He made a pause and tightened his hold on his cane. "Kenneth motors is now a public company and the board want new blood with new ideas to come through the automobile crisis. And of course, my son helped them in the vote." His faced was now showing his disappointment. "I won't have enough funds to support the stage's transformations. So your help is coming at the right time Richard." He finished with a more hopeful tone.

"Don't thank me to soon Robert." Mr. Hamilton warned with a smirk before staring at Yuri. "I will fund your cabaret but not with Sora as the star."

Kalos joined his hands while his arms where now on his desk, apparently interested by the turns of events. He had to admit that the Kaleido need to attract a different kind of audience to grow but he was afraid of the confusion by using the same actors to show a darker image. Richard Hamilton proposition changed everything. "We don't have another star that could fill that kind of role since we lost Layla. Rosetta is too young and May still has some trouble to show emotions." To Yuri surprise, the Kaleido director seemed actually sadden that his project was almost impossible.

"l have an appointment in New-York tomorrow, I'll make Layla a proposal. Therefore you should prepare a contract just in case." Mr. Hamilton stated in his distinct voice.

The three other men of the office were dumbfounded, but no one was more lost than Yuri. The more the distance between Layla and Sora, the better it was. If Layla made her comeback to the Kaleido, all the lies would have been for nothing. No way Sora could control herself near the object of her affection. "Hum, do you really think Layla would agree?"

Richard was again checking his smart phone and answered with a detached tone. "She want to leave New-York. Some personals troubles occurred there. She'll be back in Cape Mery for good in two weeks." He made a pause and looked at the others men in the room and added "Although she asks me for a job at Hamilton Corp."

Kalos didn't dare to have high hopes about Layla return but if it was really the case then the possibilities for the Kaleido Stage would be great. Her lost fans would come back with new ones thank to the mature tone of the cabaret. They could also create a limited show with Layla and Sora to celebrate this new era. Nothing wrong could happen. But he have to be sure his ancient star was willing to come back. "Can you really do it Richard? We don't just need her back. She have to be willing for it. We know Layla is a professional but that won't be enough. The spectators will see if she's here against her wish."

"She already has reasons to come back but I won't promise anything. The decision is on her." Layla's father finished the conversation and stood up. "Well, I have an another meeting. Farewell gentlemen." And he left the room starting another conversation on his phone.

The three men left in the room stayed silent a few seconds before Yuri broke the silent. "Kalos, we can't do that." He couldn't believe what he was doing. Having Layla as a leading role would be sensational for his debut as a producer but he also couldn't ignore all the troubles that might occur.

"Are you kidding!" the exclamation came from both sides of the office.

"Layla's comeback is the best thing that could happen! I can imagine the cheerfulness from the audience the day will announce it!" Mr. Kenneth gloomy mood totally disappeared.

"And Layla's fans all grew up, they'll be happy to see her in a more mature play!" added Kalos who also couldn't hide his glee. "Contact Mia. I want a play for Layla back." He command to Yuri.

"Maybe we can wait til we have news from Layla?" The Russian man suggested. First he need to contact Layla.

"It will be easier to persuade her with a good play ready to show. I'll give her ten minutes." The director of the Kaleido Stage seemed to have lost ten year by the possibility of Layla's return.

Time was not fast enough to Sora dismay. It was Sunday night and she already wanted the morning to be there when the flight will arrive in New-York. She decided to keep it as a surprise for Layla. And also because she feared the woman would tried to convince her to not go. Still a few hours before Léon get her to the airport. In the meantime, Rosetta and Marion asked her to join them in the dorm hall. But only Ken was here when she arrived. She didn't suspected anything, at first, despite still feeling uneasy around him. Since they were here and alone she tried to make some conversation.

"The play is really a success, isn't it?" She said nervously while sitting on a chair putting her armchair on the table. She looked through the glass door hoping to see one the girls or Léon but the court was totally void.

"That's because you're wonderful." He responded in a soft voice. He was staring at her with a lot of intensity, enjoying their moment alone. No Léon, no one between them. He sat just in front of her scratching his head, thinking about his next words. "Th-There is this new attraction in Marine Park and I thought that maybe-"

"I'm sorry Ken." She quickly interrupted him, not wanting to hear the end of his sentence. "But Léon have already some plans for our rest days."

"Well if you're not free Monday, we can go on Tuesday?" He proposed. He will not gave up. He needed to show her that he could be a good boyfriend for her. For too long he hid his own feelings, playing the good friend. Those days were over. As his family said: Love is a battlefield. And he may have lost the battle but not the war. Sora wasn't happy with Léon, he was sure of it. Otherwise he may have given up. But he couldn't.

"We'll be out of Cape Mery from tomorrow morning til Tuesday afternoon." She stated trying to make a stern face yet she looked more sorry. Even if she tried to not stare at him directly waiting for her friends arrival to save her from the embarrassing situation. But they didn't come so she looked for an escape. "I have to go. I still need to do my luggage." She apologized and got up from her chair and reached for the glass door when she felt a hand on her wrist. The moment she turned back it was too late. Ken's lips where on her owns. She opened her eyes from shock and pushed him back wiping out her mouth.

He wasn't sorry at all. He thought he'll regret it the second he had done it. But there was no regrets in his mind. Léon probably got more. That's what he said to himself to justify his act. He then glared at her getting closer while she stepped back afraid of him until the glass door stopped her. He put an arm above her right shoulder with a determined face. For too long, he played the role of the nice guy and it didn't work. Now, he'll be more pushy if it was the only way to become a threat to Léon.

"I love you, Sora. My feelings never changed in two years." He lean closer to her right ear and whispered quietly but distinctly "And I will fight for you!" But suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"What are doing?" An angry and shocked Anna asked to Ken. She was pushing him against the sliding door. Her left hand was holding him by his right shoulder with a lot of strength. She looked at Sora who was sitting against the glass door on the floor next to them while Mia tried to help her.

"Sora? Sora? Are you ok?" She shook her a little to gain some reaction from the Japanese girl and it fortunately worked.

"I-I'm ok." She responded to reassure her friends but her heavy breath betrayed her. She was not ok. She thought her relationship with Ken was slowly returning to their roots. She thought he accepted that she couldn't love him back. She never thought he would kiss her like that while she was dating someone else. Why? He only complicated things that shouldn't be. Layla was the only one she could ever love. She was certain of that. What was the point in lying with Léon?

Rosetta and Marion chose this moment to arrive. Things weren't going as they expected. They thought Sora was unhappy with Léon and that convinced them to go through their plan: bring Sora and Ken together. It was obvious to them that Sora was making a mistake with Léon. That what they explained to everyone there. Then Rosetta felt a slap on her face.

It was Mia. She was angrier than Anna if it was possible. "You stupid girls! You think you can disrespect people's choices just because you thought they weren't happy?!"

"Oh! Oh! Why are you hitting my girl?" It was Jay accompanied with Vince as always. They both were wet from head to toes but the water guns on their hands answered any question.

"I am not your girl!" The redhead shouted vigorously.

"Okay. I don't know what happen but maybe we should calm ourselves?" Vince suggested. He even put his water gun on the table behind him and rose his hands in the air to mimic a delinquent under arrest.

The comic gesture helped to lighten the atmosphere while Anna released Ken.

Massaging his shoulder, Ken glanced at Sora who was still trying to register what happened, hugging herself as a protection. "I can be a better boyfriend for you Sora. It can't be Léon! It is already impossible for him to make you smile and laugh truthfully like...like when Layla was here." He finished in a lower but still hopeful tone. If he can't win her with a kiss maybe logic will do.

Mia and Anna stared at each other, both fearing Sora's reaction.

That's was too much for Sora who got up from the floor, tears covering her cheeks.

"Sora don't-" Mia pleaded. But it was an ineffective advice.

The lilac-haired girl was not in a state to hear anyone. She wasn't staring at anyone in particular purposely. She just wanted to let the truth coming out. She wiped her tears and talk distinguishably to her audience. "I'll tell this clearly once and only time. I am in love!" She declared. Then she glare at Ken added "Not to you. It will never be you!" She hated him for kissing her. Layla was her first and the only one allowed to. She wanted her to be only one who ever kissed her. But the guy in front her ruined it. Someone she thought was a friend. And they were now both miserable because of each other.

Ken was livid and couldn't hide his shock. There was a frog inside his head? It was not possible. It impossible. Didn't he stand a little chance?

Rosetta and Marion, on the other hand understood their mistake and how they really screwed up.

"Well, as harsh it is lets' hope it'll get through his damn head." Anna said scratching her hair and glancing at Mia who could only agreed by sighing.

Vince could only be sorry for his friend while Ken started to emerge from his frog.

He refused to accept the truth. Sora must be confused. Yeah, it just like his father said. She's confusing partnership and love. It wasn't love. It couldn't be.

"Did the plan work?" It was a joyful Sarah, arms full of junk-food and sodas. "Why everyone's here? I hope you didn't start the party without me?!" She warned with a devilish smile.

Her sudden arrival surprised everyone but what astonished them more was her clothes. A bunny suit.

Once her surprised passed, Sora walked to her with a menacing glare. "Is it your fault?"

"What are you talking about?" The English woman didn't expect this kind of reaction from the Japanese girl. She looked at Rosetta and Marion for answers and understood that their plan totally failed by their sad faces. Seems they made a big mistake. They should have listen to Yuri who told them to talk with Sora first. To know her real feelings towards Ken before taking any actions. "Ok, I guess I should be the one to apologize since I'm responsible for it. That was a bad presumption on my side about your feelings. Don't be angry to the girls." The kaleido singer pleaded trying to get closer to her.

"No!" Sora almost shouted while stepping back, angry and conflicted at the same time.

"Sora! Please Sora I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I thought I was helpin-" Rosetta couldn't help the tears interrupting her speech but the Japanese girl's stare was totally void.

Marion was as devastated. She didn't really understand the situation. If Sora wasn't in love with Léon why was she so upset? Were relationship always so complicated? At that moment she promised to never commit to anyone.

Finally Mia decided to do something. "Anna! Get Sora to her room." She ordered to her friend. "I'll follow later." Then she glared at the guilty girls and Sarah. "I don't know what get on your mind but I suppose being in a midst doesn't help to fully understand the whole situation." She sighed loudly and closed her eyes. She wasn't sure about to say next. What if saying the truth was a bigger mistake? But Sora couldn't lose her friends. She might need them when the truth come out to the public and Kalos before that.

Everyone looked at Mia in waiting of something major with anxiety. Apparently they were left in a frog willingly.

The Netherlander girl inspired and blew heavily. "What I'm about to say can't leave this room til Sora is ready. Am I clear?" She waited for everyone's nod but stopped at Ken. "I think you should leave and cool your head. There's no good news for you." She warned him with a severe tone keeping herself from being nastier. After all, she was also sorry for him. When it came to love you rarely control your feelings but you can still control your actions, which Ken failed to. And Mia couldn't forgive that.

"Can't I even know what it is about?" He tried to negotiate. He wanted to know the truth at least.

"Just go, please." The light ginger woman made a quick glance towards Vince.

The black man immediately understood and approached his friend. "Let's go. That's enough for tonight." He put an arm around the honey-haired man and led them to the exit.

Ken tried to resist but Vince hold was stronger.

In an airport, at New-York, an unhappy Layla was watching arrivals from west coast. It was the morning there, the traffic was less important than during the day but there still was a crowd. The digital screen she was looking at finally announced the landing of the last flight from L.A. A few more minutes before she can lash her anger on her girlfriend and the idiot who accompanied her. She felt trapped and she sure disliked that feeling. Especially since it was second time in a few days and she didn't deal well with it the first time.

She was actually on a dinner with Cathy to talk about the said problem when she received Léon's text. A text! The coward didn't dare to call her. Her anger was so vivid that people could feel her negative aura from long distance. Maybe that why people seemed to make the biggest space they could when they have to walk near her. She didn't know how yet but she will make both of them pay for disobeying. Her anger was growing when Layla saw them.

Their walk was strangely slow. Each one of them have one bag for their little stay. Layla was about to make a nasty remark about it but when she saw Sora something stopped her. The sadness in her eyes melt her in way she thought was impossible a few seconds before. The blond woman quickly reduced the space between them reaching for Sora's face with her hand and stared at her. The Japanese girl red eyes showed she clearly cried before and was fighting to not cry again. Layla glanced at the French man who answered her by whispering Ken and Rosetta' names. But it only added more questions in Layla's mind. However the girl who was now crying in her arms was the only thing that mattered. So much for a punishment!

When they arrived at her apartment, Layla showed the guest room to Léon then she brought

Sora to her own room without a word. When they sat on her bed, Layla help her to get rid of vest and shoes. "Do you want to talk about it?" The American woman asked with kindness stroking the lilac-haired girl's face slowly.

Sora only shook her head and buried it on Layla's neck. She wanted to feel the woman's skin and heat. Be reassured. She wished yesterday was a nightmare. She wished she wouldn't have to quit her girlfriend the next day. She wished she could feel Layla's arms around her forever.

Layla on the other hand would have preferred talking about it. She unfortunately knew by experience that letting things go wasn't the best way to handle issues. It only made them worse when they will eventually explode. Just like two days ago... No, now wasn't the moment to think about it. Sora needed her.

About half and hour passed before the Japanese girl changed her position but also her behavior. Thanks God she thought. She was starting to have some cramps on her right shoulder.

Gone was the sadness from earlier. Sora's eyes were now filled with desire. She was staring at the blonde woman with intensity. Layla was surprised by the sudden change but she didn't have time to proceed. Sora was now sitting on her lap, her arms wrapping her neck bringing the woman closer for a forceful kiss. The American woman would have enjoyed the kiss in other circumstances but now it only made her more curious. So she stopped it. Or she tried. The younger girl didn't agree and tighten her embrace making it difficult for Layla to pull off from the kiss that was now deepened. Layla was still stronger and could easily overcome her girlfriend but she hesitated. Actually she wanted it too, maybe not for the good reasons, yet she decided to play along. And a dominating Sora was quite exciting. Talk can wait a little while. So she let the girl lead their make-out session for some long minutes.

When Layla stopped resisting, Sora released her grip. Just a little. She was still in charge but she wanted to feel the woman touch. Still kissing, she led Layla's hands under her white and pink stripes tank top. Layla complied with pleasure until she realized the girl didn't have any bra which put some hesitation in her mind. Sora might sensed it because she pulled from the kiss to encourage her "It's ok. I want it to." The Japanese girl said with a low and seducing voice while descending with her tongue on the woman's neck.

Layla was still hesitating. Did Sora really mean her words. Did she actually understand them? But her hands were already moving toward Sora's breasts. When she touched them her mind went crazy. How much it been since the last time? Two or three weeks. She wasn't sure. Just that it was too long and she really missed the girl's skin under her hands. She stroked them with gentleness, slowly at first. She wanted to remember their shape. She wanted to trace it with her fingers but the girl's tank top was in her way.

Sora was now sucking her left shoulder with eagerness. Her aim was clearly to let some hickeys there. The Japanese girl always been possessive with Layla but this time the American woman felt like she was being marked. She didn't mind at all and it helped making her decision about that damn tank top she forcefully teared apart. "It—It was my favorite." The younger girl stopped her kisses surprised by the woman act and to breathe some air. Layla stared at her for a moment with her blue eyes looking for some protestation and there was none. Just surprise and anticipation.

"I'll buy you a new one." The blonde woman assured with a last glance to the girl before returning her attention to the object of her desire. She drew the outline of Sora's chest slowly with her fingers. It like she was memorizing each shape of her breasts. When she was satisfied she did the same with her nipples.

A little shamed by the attention and curious at the same time, the Japanese girl decided to stay a simple spectator even if she was still in the show. In fact, she was still less experimented and could learn some tips from the woman. As long as she didn't have to think about anything else she was more than ok with Layla's initiative. And just when she started to feel a little frustrated, Layla stroked her breasts and started to lick them. Sora's body temperature became hotter as the woman was more eager and the younger girl dropped her hands wit her head back. She couldn't help a loud moan. Did she enjoy it too much? Were her reactions normal? All the assurance from earlier was slowly fading. After all it was mostly an act to avoid a confrontation.

Layla exploited the girl's weakness to lay her down on the bed and put her right hand next to Sora's left forearm while her lips started to trace lines along the girl's sternum slowly descending. Her left hand keeping on stroking her breasts.

Sora, on the other hand, lost any control she had on her reactions. Her moans were louder and louder with an arm above her mouth while the other one was guiding Layla's head to her stomach. She was in a bliss. They both were...However, when Layla was leaving her stomach toward a more intimate place, she felt the girl beneath her trembling. Not in a good way. Not because of her touch. At least she hoped so. She immediately stopped and looked at the girl who was now crying. She sighed and cursed herself. She knew Sora was troubled and yet she preferred to listen her hormones.

"I'm sorry. I want it. I really want it. 'Cause I love you. I only love you. But-" Sora couldn't finish her words. She put an arm on her face and let more tears coming.

Layla just hold her and rolled them so the Japanese girl could rest her head on her chest. "It's ok. We're not in any hurry. But I think we should talk about what upset you so much." She advised stroking the girl hair delicately.

After a few minutes, Sora stopped crying. She narrated the event of the day before trying to prevent more tears.

Layla took a moment to reflect about their situation. Now, more people knew about their relationship. It really was a matter of time before someone slipped it to Kalos. Someone like Sarah. They didn't have much options. Either they announce it themselves, either they... Sitting down, the American woman observed her girlfriend who was now resting peacefully on her lap, eyes closed even if she was not sleeping, tired of all the emotions. She couldn't help a caring smile. Could she do the right thing? The old Layla wouldn't hesitate and make the only right decision for the stage. But the person she was at the moment was more selfish and weak. She couldn't let go the only person that filled her heart like no one or nothing could since her mother died. She couldn't let go of that pure happiness. How can she not love the girl in her arms? How can she not want to tell the world?

And then she remembered. Whether it was the little brat who cried to her mother, or the perfect girl too afraid of deceiving her father, or the selfish woman who refused to let go of her lover, they all are the same person. She just made choice and faced them. Step by step, allowing Sora to see through her, she accepted to change. And today, she have to make another choice that might change her again. But she was afraid of the results.

She let her hand trailed on Sora face, drawing circles with two fingers. Then she whispered on the only visible ear of the Japanese girl "I do love you to."

The joy that get through her when she heard the confession made Sora jump in light speed. She stared unbelievably to Layla who sustained her look with a shy smile. She didn't believe herself either. But that was her decision. The rest was up to the girl before her who was crying again. "Please no. I didn't say it to make you cry."

"But-but-" Sora was too happy to construct any phrase.

So Layla kissed her tenderly. Once, then two, and a third time. In a way to seal their love. Hard times may come but they'll face it together.

In another flat in New-Work, Cathy Tilmore was also holding a crying girl in her arms because of Layla' words. Different words. Unfortunately for Macquarie, said words weren't kind at all. And it was all her fault. She should have kept her memories and be happy with it. Why couldn't she kept her feelings in check? Now Layla wanted to put distance between them. And she was alone.

Hello the world and sorry for the late update. I won't make any promise but I can at least say that I'm still working on this fic. Thanks for reading.