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

The Naeginos were listening a report from a federal detective. Chikara couldn't be more ashamed. He put his daughter's life in danger and feared she won't forgive him. But in their misfortune they gained a refugee statute. That's said he didn't like to be indebted to the Hamiltons. His daughter was already in their influence, he won't let himself be fooled by their generosity.

The family quickly joined the hospital to see Sora. Rosetta left them and promised to come at a later time.

They wanted to put the past behind them and start a new life. Chikara was surprised to notice that Sora didn't knew about the truth behind her accident. He thought Layla would tell her as soon as possible. But she seemed to think it was an unfortunate accident. For a second he thought about lying. But his wife encourage him to be honest. And of course Sora didn't blame them.

They talked about their project to stay in the country for some time. Despite her surprise Sora encouraged them to make new bets with life. Then they talk about her convalescence. Her mother proposed to live with her as long as she needed it. But Sora told her it was not necessary because she would live with Layla.

"What are you talking about?" M. Naegino shouted in shock. "How can you? Didn't our family been ashamed enough?"

"Anata!" Mrs Naegino tried to calm her husband.

"No!"

Yume who was on her sister's lap jumped in surprise. She never heard her father upping his voice. It scared her. She got closer to Sora before crying.

Sora tried to reassure her sister while looking for words for her father. "I'm sorry dad but I love her. That's all I can tell. It can only be her."

Chikara looked at his daughter in disbelief for a moment. But he believed her when she said she was in love. That woman had totally bewitched his daughter. He knew by experience that none of his words would make her come to her sense. For now he decided to stay silent. Moreover, the Robbins were waiting behind the door and he feared of shouting some words he might regret. "We'll talk about it another time." He glanced at his wife thinking about something but didn't speak a word. After some hesitation he opened the door trying to hide his discomfort. "I'm gonna look for the Robbins." He simply said disappearing behind Sora's hospital door.

Midori sighed loudly after his departure. So did Sora. Yume stared at her mother and sister looking for any explanation. She knew something bothered them but she couldn't understand. Adults were so complicated. She decided to remind her presence to her sister by putting her hands on her face and playing with her hair.

The gesture helped to lighten the mood. "Ah, ah, ah. Stop it Yume. Or I'm doing the same." Sora threatening jokingly. But that exactly what her little sister wanted.

They were ruffling each other hair and laughing loudly trough their mother's eyes when the door was opened again.

Chikara entered with all the members of the Robbins's family.

As relieved as Martha and Ralph were, it was nothing compare to Ken. He blamed the whole world but was mostly angry with himself. He should have been there with her. Now that fate gave him another chance he will make sure to not leave her side.

"Sora, we're happy to see you well and awoken. Especially Ken." Martha added encouraging her son to get closer to Sora's bed.

"Th-thanks." Sora couldn't say more as Yume wasn't done with her hair.

"Yume! Let it go!" An annoyed Chikara demanded.

"It's okay. I'm not bothered." Sora reassured. Actually she was guilty of using Yume as a shield against Ken intense stare. She was naive to think one week of coma would change anything.

"Well. I don't remember. When are you suppose to get discharged?" Ralph asked.

"Tomorrow." Midori answered.

"Ah great! The house would be ready. Lucy will gladly lend you her bedroom. It will be nice to have our two families gathered in the same house." Martha said enthusiastically.

"Cough. Hmm. Hmm." Chikara lost his ability to make some words.

"Are you okay?" An intrigued Ralph asked. "We're in a hospital if you catch a cold in this hot summer." He said making fun to his friend.

The Naeginos looked at each other with discomfort. Which one of them would tell the truth to their hosts?

Sora finally took her courage. Despite all the warnings Layla gave her she thought it was better to be honest. "There might be a misunderstanding but I'll stay with Layla during my convalescence."

"What! But-" Martha looked at Sora's parents and understood everything was already decided. She really started to get annoyed by the blond woman's presence in Sora's life. They might be friends but that was too much. Sora needed her family help to heal. Not a stranger. "The Hamiltons are nice to hosting you but being with family would be better for your health. Don't you think?" Ken's mother requested hopefully.

Sora tried to stay calm. She didn't understand why she had to explain herself. Nor why would the Robbins would assume she would stay at their house. "Kate think a crowd wouldn't help." She simply said hoping it would be enough.

"Oh. Oh. Well if the doctor says so." Martha said with a defeatist face looking sorry at her son.

But Ken wasn't unhappy. As long as she wasn't at Léon's place.

Then the door opened. Kate came in and asked everyone to leave. "I'm sorry but that's enough visits for today. She needs some rest."

The guests unwillingly obeyed and left.

After their departure, Kate examined Sora's body. She was afraid of missing something after her such a fall. "Well, everything seems fine. I'm glad. I mean you made a big chute."

"Yeah. But outside my arm, I don't feel anything." Sora said showing her left arm. "Can I start work earlier?" She asked impatiently.

"No training before two weeks and lightly. I forbid anything intensive before at least a month." Kate warned.

Sora was disappointed but understood.

"Sora?"

"Yes?"

Kate seemed to hesitate. "Is there something- something between you and Layla?"

The Japanese girl looked up to Kate, surprised. "Hum, we- I-" But she didn't need to tell more.

"Sorry. That's none of my business but as a doctor I need to warn you about any activities that could tired you. If-if you understand what I mean." Kate added looking elsewhere.

Sora immediately blushed when she understood. "Oh! Oh!" Then she realized the implications. "What! No! How long!?"

"If-if you could avoid anything for a week at least."

"A-a week! No way! Maybe if we go slow-"

"No! I'm already generous. It's not negotiable!" Kate's words were definitive. But Sora seemed unconvinced. "Sora! I'm not kidding. I need your words. Otherwise I may have to talk with Layla."

"No! It won't be necessary. But just one week, no more?"

Kate sighed of relief. "Yes. I know it's not easy for new lovers but it's for the best." She looked at her watch and swore. "Fu- I have an appointment! See you tomorrow before you leave." And she quit the room hastily.

Sora was now alone. She didn't like it. She didn't want to think. She missed Layla. She searched for her phone and sent a message.

Richard and Archibald were reviewing the last meeting in his L.A office when his secretary interrupted them. "Yes?"

"I apologized sir but a Japanese man is insisting in talking to you." The secretary looked ashamed and afraid at the same time.

Both men were surprised and looked at each other. "Let him in." Richard finally said.

Behind her, M. Naegino was waiting. When he entered in the office he bowed as low as he could. "Thanks for receiving me without any appointment."

"Don't worry about it."

Chikara looked up startled. He wasn't expecting such greeting.

Seeing his discomfort, Archibald left the two men alone.

"Please sit down." Richard said showing his guest a chair in front his desk while sitting in his own. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Still surprised, Chikara was lost for words. Why was that man so kind to him? Richard Hamilton was running an empire. He was no one beside him. "Y-Yes. It's about the girls. They-they want to live together. And-and I'm worried. I'm worried about their reputation." He finally said it still unsure of his words.

Richard stared at his guest, touching his fingers, like everytime he was looking for the best words. He decided to use his favorite technique in interview. Sometimes asking questions was best way to go. "What are afraid you of exactly?"

"What people might say!" Chikara thought Layla's father would understand the situation better. He was the chairman of public company. What his shareholders would think?

"If I had worried about people's opinion, Hamilton corp would have never been made." He stated calmly. "A few years ago I would have tried to control Layla's life. But thankfully I learn my place as a father was just to raise her and let her be the woman she chose." He tried to reassure Sora's father with serene smile. "Now I'm just an observer. And frankly I found it more enjoyable."

"I see." Chikara understood he won't get any help from M. Hamilton. Those westerners were too liberals he thought. And he disagreed with him. As a father, his role was to guide his daughter. So she wouldn't do any big mistakes. "Well, I'm sorry for bothering you." He was to stand up when he thought about another thing.

"Yes?" Inquired Richard.

"A-about the money. I want t-to thank you." Chikara bowed another time. Lower than previously to his host discomfort.

"No need. It's a loan." He knew the legendary Japanese pride and how to deal with it.

Chikara was relieved. He didn't want any charity. "Yes! Yes. We'll pay back each month with interests."

"As you wish." Richard said with an indescribable expression.

Then the two men parted their ways.

It was the end of the afternoon. Layla was on her way to the hospital when she noticed Sora's mother siting in a bench with her little sister. She hesitated. The last time she talked with the Naeginos, they made it clear they disapprove their relationship and they avoided each other the whole week. She breathed heavily and gathered some courage. If she wanted a future with Sora, she needed to make some efforts. She approached them slowly and saluted them. "Good afternoon, Mrs Naegino."

Midori looked up and smiled. She was waiting for the woman, knowing she would come at that time. "Good afternoon, Layla-san."

Lalya found it strange to be called like that by someone other than Sora. But the kindness in Midori's voice was stranger. Yet she didn't have time to think more about it as Yume was running towards her.

"Kirei onna!" The little girl shouted, throwing herself at Layla's arm who fortunately still had her reflexes despite her surprise.

"Wow!" She said catching Yume in the air. "I guess gymnastic is in the family." She tried to put back Yume next to her mother but the little girl refused.

"It's okay. She seemed to take a liking about. Just like her sister." She smiled again. "Must be in the family too."

Layla was too lost to say any word.

Midori noticed her astonishment and kept on. "I'm not approving your relationship with Sora but as a mother I can see how much she's in love." She made a pause looking for something in her purse. She took a picture from it and showed the place next to her on the bench to Layla who obeyed and sat down with Yume.

It was picture of Sora and her parents when she was no more than six. Her biological parents. They were in front of the Kaleido. Something seemed familiar about it but Layla couldn't say what.

"It's the last picture they took together. Sora has a copy she probably stared at for thousand times." Midori sighed sadly. "No matter how much we love her, she will still miss them. And that is normal. But we made a promise to them. We swore to protect her from any pain." She touched the picture lightly with her finger holding her tears. "Could you make the same promise? If you can then maybe, maybe we'll be more at ease."

Layla didn't know what to say. How could she make such promises? Even she had to admit she wasn't perfect. "I'm sorry but I can't. All I can do is promise to be by her side as long as she wants me and as long as I'm alive."

"Of course." Midori closed her eyes still retained her tears. "Then as a mother, let's me warn you. If my daughter comes at me one time in tears because of you, then I'll make sure you understand painfully what a mother can do for her child."

If she wasn't before, Layla considered herself more than warned. "Yes." She simply stated. And they stayed to observed the sunset quietly. No more words were needed.

When she entered in Sora's room she found the girl playing some video games on a phone with the most serious face she ever saw. Despite her displeasure she couldn't help a smile while she closed the door behind her loudly.

The noise sort out Sora from her trance. She looked up and smiled when she saw her lover. "You're finally here!"

Layla kept her grin while approaching, slowly and dangerously.

Sora was like a sheep unaware of the hungry wolf. She hardly had time to react when she found herself in a firm embrace followed by a passionate kiss. A kiss she could only respond to. Again and again. Sharing everything for seconds, then minutes. When Layla started to put a hand on her thigh she knew she should have stop her but she did not. She wanted to feel more of Layla's desire and warmth. It been so long.

"I can stop if you want to." Layla said between two kisses.

"Never." Sora replied as she strengthened their embrace.

Layla took it has an invitation to go deeper and started to unfasten the ties of her hospital robe behind her back. Then her lips looked for the girl's neck while her right hand brought down her garment.

"It's unfair, I'm the only one naked." Sora said while she let herself get laid in bed.

Layla's grin grew. "I think I'm the only one with two functional hands." She replied while kissing Sora's abdomen. She took her time, making circle, playing with her sensitive parts.

"Ha, ha, ha. Layla it's tickling!"

The blond woman went higher and licked her breasts for a while. She missed Sora's warm. She wanted to be sure she wasn't in a dream. That's her wish was granted. She kissed Sora's neck and hummed the girl natural fragrance. Yes, she there and alive. But she had to stop.

Layla put her hand in each side of Sora's head to hold herself above her. Her light smile expressed all the love she felt for Sora. She took a long time to examine the girl's features through the moonlight and caressed her face lightly. "I love you so much. I was dead without your smile."

Sora felt an immense joy and sadness at the time. "I love you to. But even if I can't be there I want you to-"

"No." Layla put a finger on Sora's lips. "No. Let's not talk about it." She looked for Sora's camisole and intended to cover the girl with it but Sora protested.

"We're not doing it?"

Layla laughed a little and then she pinched Sora on her left arm.

"Ouch!"

"I talked with Kate." Layla stated simply, now caressing the arm she hit earlier.

"Oh." Sora replied. "So I'm punished."

"We both are." Layla said jokingly.

"But I'll sleep in your arms every night and naked." Sora added.

"Is it a blessing or a torture? I'm not sure." Layla got up from the bed and searched for something in her purse. She came back with a tablet and sat besides Sora who was now wearing her hospital robe.

"What is it?"

"We need to choose our furniture. For the apartment. It can be delivered tomorrow if we order it now." Layla explain while turning on the device.

"Really? We'll do it together?!" Sora couldn't hide her excitement. Of course it would have been better to go to the furniture shop for real but all she wanted was doing it with Layla.

"That's what couple do, isn't it?"

Sora kissed her on the cheek to show her gratitude and happiness. "Oh I like this bed." She showed a simple bed in wood color.

"You chose the smaller size." Layla pointed to what she thought was a mistake.

"We don't need more. I want to feel your skin every day and night." Sora whispered slowly in Layla's ear.

"I'll make love to you every night and every day with a queen size bed too. And that's the only acceptable size I know for adults." Layla explained while changing the bed size.

They kept navigating on the website for and hour until they decorated all the house. Layla didn't spend the night this time. Sora was sad but it was the hospital rules. And they would see each other the day after to start their new life.

Near noon, Sora had new visitors. Marion and her father came with a special gift. It was a drawing with Johnathan fingerprints. The little animal probably put his palms on some ink and simply walked on the paper. Sora was touched. She started to realize all she might have missed if she hadn't woken up. Or worse. Tears fell from her eyes without warning.

"Sora, what's-?" Marion was bewildered. She thought her gift would make her laugh not crying.

Sora quickly shook her head. "No. No. I like your draw. I'm actually happy Marion. Really happy to be alive." She gave the younger girl her best smile to reassure her.

Marion wasn't sure and looked at her father who reassured her with a nod. "Your mother used to cry to when she was happy. Those are precious tears."

"Ok." She wasn't sure to understand but at least Sora was smiling behind her tears. "But will Miss Layla let us visit you in your home?"

"It's her house too." Layla just entered with a wheelchair, followed by Kate.

"And it's time to go home." Kate said in a high note.

Sora couldn't believed her ears. "Really! Now! I'm free!"

"Yes. Your father just signed the papers. He's waiting near the entrance with the Robbins." Layla voice seemed a little annoyed.

"That's a good news Sora. When will you get to the stage?" John asked while messing his daughter's hair with a joking smile.

Sora got up from her bed with too much enthusiasm and almost fell if it wasn't for Layla to catch her up. "Thanks. I guess I lost some strength for sleeping a whole week. Ha! Ha!"

But Layla wasn't in a good mood today. "Just stop being reckless." She said with a severe face. She then turned to John. "She won't train before a month. I'll make sure of it." Layla added giving a bag to Sora. "Your mother prepared some clothes. She-she" Layla sighed with annoyance and unwillingly finished her sentence. "She's at our house. She's doing- well, I'm not sure. Some housework I guess. I think she intended to stay for a while. Just go to change."

Sora was surprised by the turn of events but she understood why Layla was such in a bad mood. She came in a bathroom to change her clothes and thought about it. Well, she was quite happy that her mother was at least talking to Layla and didn't mind her help at home. Neither she or Layla were really good housewives. Nonetheless she was impatient to start a new step in their couple life with Layla.

No. Her mother probably just wanted to make sure she's been in a good care and won't stay. It will be just the two of them at night. Humpf. Thinking tired her much more than walking. She put her orange shirt and blue jeans shorts before leaving the bathroom room with her usual smile.

Only Layla and Kate were still there. "Sit." The blond woman ordered behind the wheelchair.

Sora executed the command keeping her cheerful smile. She won't let Layla's bad mood contaminate her. She had more reasons to be content than yesterday. And she hoped that tomorrow would had more happiness.

Layla pushed her outside the room she hopefully saw for the last time. They took the elevator until the ground floor while Kate was giving them her last instructions. "Eat lightly at first. Add starchy foods little by little." She finished when they arrived at the entrance where everyone was waiting. "Well, I'm telling you goodbye as a doctor. Jerry and I will visit soon enough."

"Thanks for everything." Layla said sincerely.

Kate smiled warmly. "You're welcome."

"See you later." Sora added while Layla led them to her family and the Robbins.

Marion and John sent their regards before leaving. "I'll bring Jonathan next time!" Marion shouted while weaving them. Then she jumped in her father's motorbike.

They were now in the hospital parking lot. The Robbins seemed to hesitate to enter in their family car. Martha talked first. "Sora, we want you to know that we'll always be there for you. If you need anything just call us...or Ken." Martha added, encouraging her son to say some words.

"Y-yes. Count on me." Ken's stare was still too intense.

And Sora refused sustain it. She bent her head and look at the other side. "I'm tired. I want to be home now." Her tone was a little low but still audible for everyone.

"Then we'll take our leave." Layla said before she turned to Sora's father. "Would you come with us?" Since her girlfriend's mother already invited herself she might as well ask him to.

Surprised was seen on Chikara face. He exchanged a looked with his daughter, unsure, but her smile convinced him. "Well. If you don't mind." He scratched his head still hesitating and glanced at his hosts. "I'll be back soon. Thank for coming today." He bowed as low as he could and came to his daughter side. Layla let him drive Sora to a white sedan without a word for the Robbins. She didn't really know them after all. And she didn't feel the need to.

The Robbins stared at them until they reached their car with sadden eyes. "It's a pity, Sora isn't living us!" Lucy said what everyone in the family thought loudly.

And no one more than Martha shared her thoughts. How she wished to make Sora her daughter-in-law. If only her son was more...Ah. It was better to not think like that.

Next to the white sedan, Archibald was leaning on the driver door with sunglasses and a bright smile. "Here comes the bride!"

And Manami was there too, waiting near the passenger door. "You took your time." Manami said jokingly while opening the rear passenger door.

Chikara hold his daughter inside and help her with the belt. He was about to follow when Manami interrupted them.

"Please. Naegino-sama. The passenger seat is available." Manami could not let an elder sit behind.

"Yes. Arigato. Take care of Sora." He said after getting in the car.

"Sure." Manami replied taking place at Sora's right side and then Archibald started the car.

Layla was on her left side and didn't say a word for a while. But her body tensed a little when Sora's head fell on her shoulder. "Your father is just in front of us." She said as low as she could.

But Sora didn't care. All the people there knew about them. Why did she have to behave? She was quite in a playful mood and started to put her hand on Layla's tight, behind her white summer dress.

Layla couldn't believe it! Sora was clearly hit on her head too. She dared to look before them and breathed of relief seeing Sora's father was too busy in a conversation with Archibald to notice his daughter's madness.

But Manami wasn't. Her eyes were almost leaving their orbit. Knowing that Sora had a girlfriend was one thing. Knowing they had sex was another. But that-that was too much. Yet like Layla she couldn't say anything in fear of averting Sora's father.

Sora, on the other hand, was having fun by titillating Layla. She came closer to the blond woman's ear and whispered seductively. "I can't wait to be alone."

The American was split between the dangerousness of the situation and her own arousal. She was in hell. The sooner they arrived the better. But she still hesitated between punishing her girlfriend or release her frustration.

Hi, everybody. Sorry for the looonnng delay. No excuse. Just laziness and blank mind when it comes to writing. The next chapter should be more eventful so I hope to finish it sooner. Now i'm gonna reply to your lovely reviews. Thanks for reading.

See you next year !