All the characters belong to Gonzo and Jun'ichi Sato.

Edit on september 10th, lot of mistakes corrected. Sorry.

One week after her return, Sora couldn't contain her impatience. Another week and Layla will be there for good. But for now, she had to welcome her family at the airport. She was a little late because of Rosetta who insisted to come despite not being able to wake-up early. The said girl was still clutching to her as always since her return when she finally saw her family. She waved at them and shout a little to not be missed. "Her-" She interrupted herself when she noticed another familiar face. "Manami?"

"Surprise!" Said Manami with a smirk while she comes closer.

"But-but I didn't know!" Sora was astonished and looked at her parents.

"Sorry she asked us to keep the secret." Her mother answered holding a sleeping Yume in her arms. "Hope you don't mind."

"Of course not!" Relied Sora before embracing her parents. The family was happy to be reunited again.

"Ah, the Robbins are there too. Great." Sora's father enjoyed their host company and hospitality. "Ralph! Martha! We're here!"

Sora, on the other hand wasn't too happy about the situation. Yet she couldn't be mad at Ken's family about his own undoings. So she kept her smile and presented her respects to the Robbins.

"Hi! M. and Mrs Robbins." She said to salute them but she kept her distance, Rosetta still hanging around her.

"No! No! Call us Ralf and Martha." Mrs. Robbins reprimanded. "You're like family after all!" And she put Sora in a big embrace. "Aren't you?"

Sora quickly escaped from the embrace. And she never answered Mrs. Robbins question. She wasn't sure of a good reply. There was a time she could have replied 'of course' as she considered everyone from the kaleido stage as her family. And so were Ken and his family. But now, when it come to the Robbins, it was a word she would use carefully. Instead she asked Manami about her stay while they left the airport.

Mrs. Robbins didn't insist and helped Sora's mother with her luggage while her husband did the same with M. Naegino.

"I've decided to integrate a hair-dresser school in L.A. I wanted some independence from my family and live my own. Just like you. I guess you inspired me." Manami explained while they entered in the open parking.

"Cool. Maybe you can do my hair?" An enthusiast Rosetta suggested running to a big black car with a driver waiting outside.

"Wouah! I didn't know your job was paying this much? Maybe I could actually do same hair and gain a lot of money!" Manami impressed stare went from Sora to the car and the car again.

"Ha! Ha! It's not mine. Layla father's lend it to me for the week." Sora replied. "But where will you stay?"

"Well I kind of hope you will took me in til I find something close to the school and not too expensive? I know your place is not big but I can sleep on the couch and-" Manami made an embarrassed smile and scratched her head while looking on the other side.

Sora simply smiled and got her friend closer. "Of course, you're always welcome. And you won't need to sleep on couch."

"Hmm." It was M. Naegino. "We need to talk alone later but for now let get some rest. The trip was tiring."

"Sure." Sora replied.

"Hmm, well. I'm going in the berline if you don't mind." When Manami approached the driver helped her with her luggage and Rosetta followed behind.

Sora was about to say goodbye to her family when Mrs. Robbins invited her for dinner. Since it was Monday she didn't have any representation. It would be too awkward since she was still avoiding their son. How much did they knew about their situation? She asked herself. She wished her family stayed at an hotel. As a kaleido star, she was paid 60k per year with no rent and debts. She would have payed for it. But she didn't want to ruin her family vacation with her own problems.

Seeing her hesitation, her mother interrupted her thoughts. "Do you have something already planned with someone?"

Sora avoid her mother's stare. She didn't want to lie. "No. I'll come with Manami and Rosetta, if you don't mind?" She added looking at Mrs Robbins.

"Of course! The more the merrier!" Martha couldn't hide her wide smile if she wanted. Which she didn't. She was afraid Sora would come with her boyfriend. Or she planned to help her son gain Sora's hearts during the dinner. What she didn't know was that Léon name didn't even crossed Sora's mind because another one was obsessing her.

Then Sora kissed her parents and left in the black car.

On the way to the Robbins, Ralph and Chikara talk about the Naeginos's plans.

"I need to start work quickly." Chikara explained. "And we also don't want to impose and abuse your hospitality."

"You don't! We're happy to help friends." Ralph replied with a reassuring smile.

"Yes, it okay. Don't mind it. You can stay as long as you want." Martha added from the passenger seat while her husband was driving.

The Naeginos who were in the backseat with their almost two years old daughter were sincerely touched by their hosts' kindness. Their Japanese pride prevent them from crying but tears could be seen in their eyes. The Robbins didn't say anything and just smile lightly at each other.

"But you need to tell Sora about your situation at the dinner tonight. Waiting won't be good."

Chikara knew Ralph's advice was true but he wasn't ready. "Maybe another time. We want to enjoy our time together first." He and is wife didn't want to impose on their daughter and gave her the impression that she has to help them. Even with her salary, their debt was too important. And how could they asked her too change her lifestyle when she just started her career as a kaleido star.

Inside the luxurious black sedan, the three girls sitting in the backseat were talking about Manami stay in the U.S for the next year. Sora was on the right while Rosetta was on the middle with Manami on the right. They planned to look for flats this Thursday together.

"But enough talking about me. Your mother told me you had someone!" Manami was surprised and excited at the same time. She started to thought Sora won't be interested in guys as long as she'll work in the Kaleido stage. "Is it the blond guy who came in Japan last year?"

"Pffff!" Rosetta let escape a mocking laugh that she tried to hide with her hand.

"Okay. I guess I'm wrong." Manami didn't mind being poke fun at by a this young girl she hardly knew because she sensed something more interesting. "Then is it your partner? The French guy?"

Before Rosetta could lost control on her laugh Sora answered. "No, it's not a man actually."

"What?!" No word could describe the level of Manami's astonishment. But her eyes almost left their orbit and her voice reach a more soprano tone. "N-not a man, you said?" She moved forward to get closer look at her friend. "You're kidding, right? Tell me you are?"

Sora frowned a little. Why would she kidding? "No, I'm not." She said with her most serious tone. "Layla and I are in love."

"Layla? Your old partner? B-but Sora since when are you interested in women? I don't understand. Does your parents know?" Manami pushed her back on the seat abruptly and sighed loudly. "It couldn't get worse." She whispered.

But Rosetta heard her. "What's the problem? Are you in love with Sora too?" The Belgian girl asked with a defiant tone.

"No." Manami replied undisturbed. She was reflecting on Sora's revelation. The news was hard too swallow. She remembered Layla to be a beautiful tall blond woman. But she couldn't process the thought of a woman in love with another. She expected some cultural differences but that was too much. "Sora, your parents will never agree on that!"

Sora got taken abruptly. "What make you think that? I didn't talk to them yet. I know for sure they'll be happy for me. Layla treats me well and she loves me as mush as I love her!"

"But Sora that's not the problem! Besides your parents are in a difficult situation because of mo-" She interrupted herself before spelling the truth.

"What situation?" Rosetta asked. Unlike Sora she wasn't surprise by Manami reaction but her last words intrigued her.

Before Manami could answer, the driver announced their arrival.

They were in the parking lot close to the pension. The driver helped to carry Manami luggage to Sora's room.

Both Manami and Sora thanks him. "You're welcome misses. But I'm happy to help Miss Layla friends." He bowed slightly and put back his hat. "I won't be far if you need me." He seemed to be in his matured years. No more than fifty years.

"Thanks James but it won't be necessary. Please take your day." Sora wasn't used to this kind of attention from domestic. She still felt bad for asking his services but M. Hamilton insisted. Because of Macquarie accident he didn't like to know that Sora was running on the streets.

"Please don't be. With Miss Layla far away I used to feel a little useless. So don't hold back at using my services." He explained with a warm smile.

Sora scratched her head and answered. "Then I will."

"Thank you miss. Oh and before I take my leave." He said as he remembered an important thing. "M. Spencer want you to know that he'll assist to Wednesday show with an important client. His daughter is a fan of yours. He hoped to visit your lodge with her. He offered a little percentage. What is your answer, miss?"

Sora opened her mouth without saying a word still surprised by the demand and close it. "Hum, tell him it'll be pleasure but I don't want or need any money. I'm doing it for a little girl smile."

"I'll do miss." And then he left to his car.

Sora closed the door to her room and proposed to Manami to take some rest on her bed since the trip was so long.

Her friend sat on her bed lost in her thoughts while Rosetta prepared some drinks on the kitchen and Sora tided away her belongings.

"Sora?"

"Hum?"

"Is you're g-girlfriend that rich?" Manami asked in a strangely tone. Hesitant and hopeful.

Sora turned to face her friend, a little bewildered by the question. "Her father is. Why do you ask?"

Instead of answering Manami asked more questions. "Would she give you money if you ask? A lot of money?"

"Why would I asked her?" Sora was more and more lost on their conversation.

"For your family. They're in trouble Sora. Very big trouble. They left Japan for good with a big debt because of your father's new company. It didn't work out as he wish. I'm not suppose to tell you anything before they do but I couldn't stay silent knowing this information." She spelled all the truth with a more hopeful tone.

Sora struggled to register the news. A lot of other implications came with it. How many time would they stay at the Robbins? Did their hosts knew their real situation? Was she the only one left in the dark? Why didn't they trust her?

"Here come the drinks!" Rosetta said in high tone. She was carrying a breakfast tray with three glass on it and put it on the desk in front of the bed.

"Thanks." Both girls said.

Sora drank quickly and put back her glass loudly. "How much?"

Manami took a deep breathe. "250 000 dollars."

The lilac-haired girl was too bewildered to react. Her eyes still showed her surprise.

"How can you contract such a debt in so little time?" Rosetta asked.

"Because of Yakuzas. Which is why your parents had to leave Japan. Your father's associate made the wrong connections. And now he lays in a hospital bed." Manami said with the most serious tone she had. "So if your girlfriend can help. Please. I beg you to ask her help now."

Now Sora seemed lost in her thoughts. After a few minutes of no reaction, Manami looked at Rosetta who just shrugged. Then Sora stood up and went to her balcony with her phone. Manami couldn't hear the conversation since she closed the glass door. But she could see Sora was about to cry because of frustration. Then she hung up the phone.

"So?" Manami asked when Sora came back inside her room.

The lilac-haired face still showed some concerns. She took a deep breathe before answering. "Layla doesn't want money being involved in her relationship with my parents. But her father assistant will look at it." She explained still worried. But Manami wasn't sure if it was about her parents or her girlfriend.

"Well, I'm sure your parents will accept your relationship with a girl if said girl helped them financially." Manami didn't understood Layla's reasoning. What's best to win your in-law trust than with money when they're in trouble.

Rosetta saw her confusion and sighed before smiling. "Layla is a hard-worker. She preferred to earn people's trust. Not buying it."

"I see." That said she was about worried Sora's family. But she chose to keep it for herself.

"You should rest for the day. The Robbins invited us for dinner. Rosetta and I will come back at the end of afternoon." Sora was still thinking about something while she talked to her friend and left the room without any smile or relief.

In a New-Work flat, a tired blond woman was laid on her couch, eyes closed. She was thinking about her situation. Macquarie just took her flight with her mother for Cape Mery. She was better even if some activities like dancing was still forbidden because of her head. She still has big headaches. Layla kept her promise to look after her for the whole week as hypocritical as it seemed. And the week ended. And now she wanted to avoid Macquarie as much as possible but her father didn't help her by inviting the Smiths at their house.

As if it wasn't enough, he decided to make his middle-life crisis. He almost kicked her off their house and refused to help for a job. What a nice 21st birthday gift! "Well, millions of people do it, why couldn't I?" But that was before Sora called for her parents. She didn't like it. She did have enough money on her accounts but she feared the consequences of her involvement in the Naeginos money issues. They didn't even talked to their daughter yet.

But just in case, she asked Archibald to look after it.

Maybe she should ask Sora to find her a place before her return. She preferred to avoid hotel as they attracted journalists. Yet the first thing she wanted to do was to see her girlfriend.

And she didn't like the fact that she was dining at the Robbins. How long did her parents intended to stay there?

She needed to sleep and forget all these troubles for a few hours at least. It can wait tomorrow. Just one week and she could sleep with Sora all the nights. She looked at the little black box on her table-coffee and reached it with her right hand. It was made of velvet but what was inside was more precious and had more significance. "I hope it's not too much. It's not like I was proposing." But after talking with Cathy she came to the conclusion that she needed to persuaded Sora's parents of her commitment towards their daughter. She sighed slowly before putting it back. "But will they care with their money troubles?" Maybe she didn't even had to go that far? If she paid their debt, they would be grateful. Maybe enough to entrust her their eldest one? But she didn't want too. Not like that. She wanted to earn it.

At the end of the afternoon, inside Sara's flat, Yuri was cooking a Russian specialty while the woman was sitting in the kitchen bar, smiling at the sight. It was quite rare to see the blond man with a dishtowel on his right shoulder while holding a stove.

"That's so funny. I want to see that every day and laugh." The English woman said holding her chin with her hands.

Yuri simply smiled. He was happy as long as she was. As long as she didn't think about unpleasant things. "Oh! Before I forget Layla will come next Monday. When holidays are over, I want to talk about the cabaret to Sora. But I feared what that monster will do to me." He laughed of himself. Layla and him were friends but when it come to her precious girl he knew it didn't mean that much.

"It's quite a shame Layla won't be in it. It would almost have been like the old days."

Yuri took two plates and put them on the bar before emptying the stove content. "Well, I don't think Sora would have stayed clam toward Layla. Kalos would have soon understood and asked her to choose between work and love." He appreciate to talk about Layla and Sora without lying. "But something tells me we won't even have to ask Layla as soon as she sees Sora on the cabaret."

But first they need to convince Kalos that the girls private life won't cause trouble for the Kaleido. Unfortunately, besides trying and see the public's reaction, he didn't know how. "Let's eat."

"How about a play?"

"What?"

"Yes." She took a first bite with a fork. "Hmmm. That's so good! How can you cook better than me?"

Yuri only smirked and kept his remark for himself. "It's a recipe from my mother."

"Well congrats, Mrs Killian. Now about the play I thought maybe Mia could right something about a same-sex love to make people aware and see the public reaction?" Sara suggested.

Yuri seemed lost in his thoughts for a little time before talking. "We already used same sex actors but for straight couples. But yeah, maybe there is a possibility. I need to look for good arguments or Kalos would just dismiss it." He then went on the other side of the bar and closed the distance with the woman to kiss her forehead. "You're fantastic when you don't poison me with your food."

"Hey! I'm trying my best!" She protested but still laughing.

A contagious laugh. And a precious one for Yuri.

At the end of the afternoon, Sora, Rosetta and Manami arrived in front the Robbins's door. Martha Robbins welcomed them with a wide smile. "Enter, enter. It's a real pleasure." They passed trough the empty living room and went in the garden where everyone gathered.

Yume was playing on the swing with Lucy who was pushing delicately from behind. Her mother was helping setting the table. Her father and M. Robbins where cooking meat on the barbecue while talking about something fun. And he was with them, laughing too.

Since her return from New-Work, Sora did her best to avoid him and only kept it professional, using Léon as a shield everytime Ken was trying to talk a little more. But now and in front of her family, it will be harder.

"The diner is almost ready. Come and sit." Martha said as she joined Midori to help with the dishes.

They saluted everyone quickly. Manami and Rosetta where quite hungry and sat immediately while Sora went to her sister first. She missed her the much. She wished she could be there for her most often. Fortunately Yume recognized her and jumped in her arms. "Wouah! You really grew up. I'm your big sister and I love you. You know that?" She said in Japanese.

"Yume Onee-chan daiiiisuki." The little girl answered while stroking her sister face as if she wanted to remember her traits.

Still avoiding Ken, she preferred to sat near Rosetta and installed her sister next to her. They were on the left side of the table. Martha and Ralph sat on the each end of the table while Midori and her husband sat in front their daughters. Ken and Lucy where in front Manami and Rosetta respectively.

"Ah! let's make a toast first." M. Robbins suggested while everyone raised their drinks. "I'd like to welcome our hosts and wish them a good fortune for the future."

Of course they knew for her parents. Sora thought bitterly. She hate to think like that. It wasn't her. She needed Layla at her side. She quickly glanced at her father who looked guilty. When will he talk to her?

The diner started nicely after that. Everyone shared their summer memories and their plans for next weeks. Manami was delighted to start her new school and was looking for a student job at the same time as her scholarship won't be enough. Lucy was entering in her first year of high school and was excited too. Her father not so much while he begged her to not come with a boyfriend at home. Everyone laugh at his plead. Then, Mrs Robbins asked the question. "And what about you Sora? Any plans when it comes to love?"

Sora froze. What was she supposed to answer? The truth about her and Layla before talking with her family? Or the false story with Léon she didn't even remember? Then she thought about what Layla will do in the same situation. "If you don't mind I'd like to talk with my family first."

"Oh! Of course. I understand. It's normal. I'm sure Midori and Chikara would be delighted to know the details of your relationship first." She stated with an embarrassed smile.

Sora's parents shared the same. Was it Japanese reserve or something else?

Manami sensed something. A tension she couldn't explain. Then she noticed Ken's stare. Since the beginning his eyes were only set on Sora who was trying to avoid it. Oh! She thought. It might be fun. She couldn't help it and opened her mouth. "Personally, I intended to enjoy my time in America to broaden my horizons." She said with a grin.

Rosetta immediately understood and smirked too. "Would you like to be my girlfriend then?"

The reactions were fast.

Sora just had her usual puzzled look when she didn't understand something. Lucy showed her surprise too but nothing negative.

M. Robbins simply laugh. "Ha! Ha! I heard about this bi-curious mode among youngsters. But at the end, a woman should marry a man." He stated still laughing.

But Ken didn't take it lightly. "Even if it's a joke, you can't poke fun of it Rosetta. The Kaleido stage is a family entertainment. Any rumors of lesbianism would be fatal for your career. Kalos would never allow that."

The answer made Sora uneasy. Her mother noticed it. "Are you ok?" She asked to her daughter.

Sora stared at her for a moment while Rosetta was quarreling with Ken about homosexual's rights. "No, I'm not. Can we talk alone, now?"

Her father noticed her change of tone. It was more grave and low. He looked at his wife and without talking they agreed. They apologized to their hosts and asked for a private place. Martha suggested them to use the guest room.

When the Naeginos left, the tension decreased but Manami didn't have her share of fun yet. "Is it me or everyone here except me and Rosetta trying to set the blond little boy with Sora knowing she already has someone in her life?"

The Robbins were taken by her boldness. They didn't expected it from a Japanese girl.

"Sora is not happy with Léon. As her friend, don't you think it'll be better to be with someone who truly loves her?" Ken was tired of being reminded of Léon. He would have gave up long time ago if he was making her happy. But he didn't. How could he stay passive?

"The real question is does Sora love you?" Manami replied. "But you already know the answer, don't you?"

Mrs Robbins started to loose her patience. Sora's friend or not. She was a disrespectful guest. "You're still young and probably believed in passionate and destructive romance like on TV and movies. But that's not how it works in life. Love takes time. Love is patient."

"I see." Manami thought she already crossed a line and didn't add to the conversation.

In the guest room, Sora and her family could finally act without filter. There were a bunk bed with stairs and kids toys everywhere. Sora sat on a chair while her sister played on a wooden swing horse toy. Their parents sat on the bottom bed next to each other. They were waiting.

Sora wasn't sure of what to say. Her parents didn't have much reaction earlier but she knew she didn't want to lie to them. Even for a week until Layla comes back. She told her mother she had someone on the phone but she never said who. Yet Mrs. Robbins just talk about Léon. She didn't understand why she spoke of him. She started to wonder how much they knew about Ken's feelings. Were they aware about her rejection? Wherever. She wasn't there for that. She took a deep breathe and looked at her parents in the eyes. "First I want to tell you that I know about your situation. Manami told me everything."

"We- I." Her father was ashamed and struggled. He fixed the ground while holding his wife's hand.

"We didn't want to bother you. We-" Her mother was about to cry and hide her face with her free hand.

Sora wanted to cry too but she couldn't. "It's okay. I know. I'm not mad. I just wished to be more trusted. I'm your daughter. I deserved to know that before anyone."

"We're sorry. You have a new life here and a boyfriend. We didn't want you to worry. We-" Midori Naegino was a strong woman but she felt like the kid and not the mother she should be. Her husband stayed silent, still fixing the ground. His pride was too hurt.

Sora sighed heavily. They will not get anywhere like that. "I love you. Both of you. No matter what. But if you're too ashamed about, I won't mention it again. Until you want too."

Chikara Naegino finally looked up again and breathed normally. He was grateful. He was really grateful. He made a mistake that involved his family but he wanted to amended himself.

No more words were exchanged but all the adults in the room understood the silent contract.

"Hum. Hum." Sora started again, a little more nervous which surprised her parents. "About being with someone...I need to tell you something." She made a pause and glanced at her phone to gain some courage. "Some people might think I'm dating Léon but it's false."

"What! But Martha said- Then how?" Her mother interrupted being totally lost.

"What's his name and when will I meet him?" Her father asked, straight to the point.

"Err. Layla is still in New-Work til next Monday but then-"

"What did you say?! Layla is a woman name, isn't it?" Her mother glanced at her father than at her quickly wondering if she heard it right.

Her father, on the other hand, stayed silent and his face showed nothing Sora could read.

"You heard right. Layla and I are dating each other since the start of July. July the 4th actually." She added with a smile. The first since they entered in this room.

A genuine smile her parents couldn't missed. But still, their daughter dating a woman was too much too handle for them.

"Is it why you're lying to everyone? Because she's a woman? Is that the kind of life you want? A life full of lies. A life where you have to hide? Was Ken right about your employer? What will you do without a job? Is it worth it? Can you be certain to still be in love in a few months? Do you think she will still want you tomorrow? Love at you age is not a certain thing. Please Sora. I beg you to think well about it. America is not a safe country like Japan." Her father seemed really worried. Not angry or disgusted like people told her. Just worried.

"I-I know that she loves me and I can't see myself loving someone else." Sora stated looking through their eyes. She didn't see her sister picking at her phone and opening it.

"Kirei onna." Yume said with en enchanted smile. She run to her mother and showed her the phone with a proud face.

Yes, she was a very beautiful woman, Midori thought. "Can I?" She asked to Sora before taking the phone. Her daughter only nodded.

Midori and Chikara stared at Sora's album. It was full of photos of her and Layla. From all of their dates. Some other Layla sent her from New-Work. They were smiling and sometimes kissing. "Oh my!" Midori said before shutting Sora's clamshell phone. Her father was also blushing.

She wondered why when something hit her memory. "Oh my! I'm sorry. No one was supposed to see that. I-" She was digging her own grave. How could she forget the naked pictures she took of themselves in bed. She was beyond shame. Her face was so red, even her hands couldn't hide it.

A long silent followed. Yume looked at her family with a puzzled face. Why no one was talking?