Kaleido Star and all the characters belongs to Gonzo Jun'ichi Sato.

Midori Naegino used to be a happy housewife. She loved to take care of her family. But things weren't easy lately because of money. Right now she was cooking a feast meal at her daughter's new home. And she had to thanks M. Hamilton for that. He even escorted her to the grocery shop and help to carry everything while they walked back to the closed building. It was a nice feeling. It been such a long time since she couldn't relax like that with her husband. She couldn't actually remember when was the last time.

Richard Hamilton wasn't the kind of man she imagined when she thought about the chairman of a multinational company. He was so simple and so humble. And funny too. Yume was laughing from all of heart in the man arms playing with his mustache. And she appreciated that he was fluent in Japanese. She knew she had to get used to talk in English but it was nice to use her mother tongue. If his daughter was as chivalrous and generous as him she might be less opposed to her relationship with Sora. If only people were less mean when it comes to same-sex relationship. She still feared for her daughter reputation. And what about her work? Would people let their children see a show with a woman loving another woman?

No. She shouldn't think about it now. As Richard say, today was a celebration day.

She was checking her sauce in the opened kitchen while M. Hamilton was playing with Yume in the living room. Despite her protest he insisted in buying her some legos on the road. "It's good for her creativity!" he said to convince her. And she surrendered.

"What are you building?" Midori asked sitting on the red corner sofa.

Richard was laying on the white carpet with Yume and legos everywhere. "An hotel empire of course!" He answer showing her what looked like a palace building. "I think I found my next successor if Layla is not interested when I retire."

Yume seemed to approve as she took back the lego palace from Richard's hands and put it back in its place. "Here!"

Layla's father could only laugh. "See! She already know you have to be bossy."

But Midori looked agape. "That's her first word! I mean her first English word." She added startled.

"Really!?" Richard was as surprised. "And she's smart too. I need to put an option before someone else hire her." He said jokingly.

Midori joined him in his hilarity while Yume continued to build her empire with the most concentrated face.

"But is Layla-san going to succeed you?" Midori asked more seriously.

Richard made a little sad face. "It would make me a happy man and proud father. I build this company for her and my regretted wife but right now acting is the only thing that interest her." He seemed lost in his thoughts for a moment, then he added. "She'll be twenty-one tomorrow. I'm not in a hurry. She still need to mature. Maybe one day..." He said hopefully. "But don't say a word!" He warned. "Sora would get upset and Layla would probably be mad. I'm trying my best to be an understanding and non intrusive father."

Midori got more respect for this powerful man who yielded to his daughter's happiness and freedom. He was successful. His daughter could take him as an example and follow his path. She breathed heavily. "Being a parent is arduous. We had the same problem when we let Sora follow her dream in another country. But despite our fears we couldn't stop her when she seemed so determined. But this-this is-" Midori looked around her with a lost expression and Richard understood.

"It's totally different, I know." He said while stroking Yume's hair. "Homosexuality is still difficult to live with wherever the country. Japan more than the U.S but not that much. I won't lie to you to fool you. It will be hard and we don't know our their fans and the general public will react. At the same time, their private life shouldn't concern them but you can't control all the rumors. But because I know how much hardships are waiting them, as a father I intend to do anything in my power to shield them from wickedness." He passed a lego to Yume with an expression of sweetness. "I just hoped my wife was there so Layla would be surround by love. Layla can sometimes be too proud to show her real feelings. She unfortunately got it from me. She was only ten when her mother pass away she cut everything she thought was weakness. And as father instead of telling her that crying was natural when you're sad, I encourage it and closed myself with work. For long it'll stay my biggest failure."

Midori eyes formed tears as he heard the Hamilton story.

Richard regretted it and thought he said too much. "Oh no, I didn't say it to make you cry. I just wanted you to understand her more and know how much Sora changed her and make her a better person. Because she loves her."

"Yeah I know." Midori said whipping her tears. "But how did your wife die? You don't have to answer." She added.

Richard seemed to hesitate. "A degenerative disease. All of her organs stopped to function one by one until it touched the lungs. Then the heart. And Layla witnessed it." It was a painful memory of his wife last days. He preferred to remember the shinning days when she read stories to a sleepy Layla on her laps.

"That's so sad. I'm so sorry." Midori tears flowed again to Richard dismay.

But fortunately Yume took charge and kissed her mother to cheer on her up. "Thanks you Yume. I'm better." Midori said sharing a hopeful smile with M. Hamilton.

When he saw the place where is daughter will live from now, Chikara felt quite envious. It was a closed residence in the heights of the city, near a cliff. The two building had four floors and you had to pass the security entrance before getting inside. Then you were welcomed by a big green court with bench and trees on each side on a little path that lead to the two buildings. The whole construction was surrounded by a fence.

There were apparently two apartments per stair. "Did you met our floor neighbors?" Sora asked turning to Layla who was pushing her wheelchair trough the entrance of their residence. Apparently they lived in the right building. The one that faced the sea from behind.

"We don't have any floor neighbor." Layla answered while they got in the elevator with her father. Archibald and Manami declined the invitation giving an excuse. They didn't want to be in a middle of a familial gathering.

"Oh, that's too bad. Maybe we'll have one soon?" Sora said in a hopeful tone.

"I don't think so."

"Why?"

They arrived at their floor when Layla replied. "Because I bought the whole floor." She said as if it was a little detail.

"The whole floor!" Chikara was incredulous. "For what purpose?"

"Peace and to avoid any rumor in the press." Layla said avoiding Chikara judgmental stare. She already knew what he will think.

"What will happen?"

"Excuse me?"

"What will happen if there are some rumors?" Chikara asked.

Sora's look passed from her girlfriend to her father. She felt some tension. But what to do?

"Our careers might be ruined if the public get offended by our relationship." Layla said while opening the door of the right flat.

Chikara stayed silent and observed his daughter, pensive.

Sora smiled when she saw their two names on the door. 'Hamilton/Naegino'. Now it was their reality. They will live together. "We're here!"

They arrived in a spacious corridor before seeing the living room. That when Sora notice it was a loft, seeing the stairs at her left. It probably led to their bedroom and bathroom. She didn't have more time to admire her new place when her little sister jumped on her lap.

"Onee-chan! Okaeriii!" Yume shouted with a really happy face. She didn't like seeing her big sister in the hospital. It was a weird place where everyone was crying. And her sister mostly slept there. It was no fun. Here was better.

"Tadaïma, Yume." Sora said with a content smile. "Tadaïma Okaa-san." She added with more sweetness.

"Okaerii Sora!" Midori got up from her seat and closed their distance while Sora stood up for an embrace. Oh how she missed her mother embrace. It made her feel like a little girl again.

Layla grinned a little in front of such scene. "Would you like to sit?" She proposed to Sora's father who was still silent.

"Yes. Thanks." He sat next to his wife and faced M. Hamilton. "Good afternoon, Sir."

"Good afternoon, M. Naegino." The two men didn't have more to say to each other. They both had difficulties to show their feelings and were not friends.

Layla got near her father and whispered something in his ear before sitting.

"Yes. It's taken care." He answered. "Well, what about some drinks?" He proposed.

"A beer if you have it." Chikara replied.

"They do. We bought them earlier." Richard replied with a wink destined to Midori.

Midori's blushed and tried to hide her redness with her right hand. Her left one was occupied to stroke Sora's hair who had her head on her mother's shoulder. Yume was laying on both her mother and sister's laps making some noises. She was talking and enjoying herself since no one was able to understand her words.

"I'll help with the drinks." Layla said following her father in the kitchen.

The Naeginos took the occasion to have a little talk.

"Sora."

"Yes, dad." Sora replied without moving her head. She was at peace on her mother's shoulder.

"Do you absolutely love you job?" Chiakara asked.

"Of course." Sora knew why her father was telling her that.

"Then-"

"But I love Layla too. Much much more. No matter the consequences." She stated firmly, a look in the void. She didn't want to think about unpleasant things. At least not today.

"Good. Then I won't oppose on your relationship anymore." He declared looking at his wife, searching her approval. Midori smiled at him and hold his hand.

Sora was taken aback by his resolve. "Really? Why now?"

"As a father, my only concern is your well-being. Layla is rich enough to take care of you in case you lose your work." Chikara explained.

But Sora disagree. "I don't want to be a maintained woman."

"You might to and I want a commitment from your girlfriend while we're at it." Chikara voice was demanding and tired at the same time.

"A commitment?" Sora inquired, a little lost.

"Yes. But don't worry. I'll ask myself." Chikara said when Layla and her father came back with drinks.

They put them on the coffee table before serving everyone and sitting back.

"So what where you talking about?" Richard asked, not really expecting an answer.

"About commitment." Chikara repeated.

"Commitment?" Richard said again as lost as Sora.

"Yes. About the girls. They can get married in this country, can't they?" Chikara requested with a serious tone.

Layla spitted her drink immediately. "Married?! Are you out of your mind?"

"Layla!" Richard gave his daughter a stern look. Even if she disagreed and was startled she must stay polite to Sora's father.

Layla stared at her father with a bewildered expression. "We just started to date for god sake!" She turned to her girlfriend for some support but Sora suddenly found her drink fascinating.

Nonetheless Chikara didn't intend to drop the subject. "If you want to live with my daughter and ruin her career, you need to give us some guarantee."

Layla look again at her father who seemed to follow M. Naegino reasoning. Sora's mother adopted the same strategy as her daughter and stayed neutral. Fine, she will lead this battle alone. "No. I'm sorry but marriage is out of the window." She stated firmly.

"How long do you intend to hide yourselves? If you don't want to make Sora an honest woman then I see no point in this relationship. So I won't allow it." Chikara left his seat and order his family to do the same.

Sora finally reacted. "What? No! I'm staying!"

"With a woman who doesn't want to marry you?" Sora's father increased his voice involuntary.

Sora avoided to show her sadness about Layla's words. She understood not get married now. But she thought one day… "I still love her." She just stated.

Layla sighed of relief.

"How about we calm ourselves?" Richard proposed. "Please sit down, mister."

Chikara sat down unwillingly. "I won't change my mind."

"Yes I understand you want some certainty for your daughter future." Richard knew how to use some empathy.

Chikara glared at Layla with a sinister expression. Then he spoke to his wife. "Until I see a ring on Sora's hand I won't approve that relationship."

Layla really started to get annoyed. Why did she have to get his approval? Sora chose her.

"There is a free flat next to them. Maybe you can stay there? That's way you'll see how Layla is committed to Sora." Richard suggested.

Layla was about to protest but concluded it was the better solution.

Chikara seemed to consider the proposition and stared at his wife. Midori looked to like the suggestion. "It'll be temporary of course. We're not abusing any hospitality."

"Of course." Richard repeated. "So we agreed?" He checked on his daughter who just shrugged. "Good. Let's eat now. I'm eager to taste Midori's lovely food."

"Such a praise! Wait to eat, then you can compliment." Midori said playfully.

Despite the tension they all got up and sat on a black table in the dinner room between the kitchen and the living room.

Midori's cooking was delicious and everyone complimented her.

Richard left after lunch for another meeting at 3 p.m. He was in the vestibule with Layla putting back his vest. "Please control yourself. No one can force you to get married if you don't want to. But as a father I understand M. Naegino concern. Unlike Sora even if you lose your job money won't be a problem. These people just left their country to escape from a dangerous mafia because of money issues. I made sure you never experienced what it is to worry about the tomorrows but maybe it contributed in making you a little brat." Richard long diatribe seemed to make his daughter think more conscientiously.

"I'll make an effort." She promised sincerely.

"Good. Farewell Layla."

"Wait."

"Yes?"

"Will you come tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? For what?" Richard pretended to not guess his daughter's request.

Layla seemed a little distressed but put back her mask quickly. "Nothing."

"Don't get too drunk tomorrow." M. Hamilton warned, a little jokingly. "Even if you'll be twenty-one, you're still my little girl." He then kissed her daughter's forehead. "Of course I'll be there."

Layla got more relaxed. "Thanks." She said but it was almost inaudible.

And then he was left.

She leaned her back on the door and breathed loudly. She didn't want to meet Sora's father again. At least they will leave next door and not with them. It was a little victory. She lost all the others battles. The last thing she wanted was marriage getting in Sora's head.

When she came back in the living room, she found her girlfriend laying in the corner sofa. She was sleeping deeply.

"It's a second effect of the pills." Midori explained. She was washing the dishes while her husband was drying them. And Yume looked at them fascinated.

Layla examined Sora with care. She couldn't help a little smile betraying her happiness. How comes all of her trouble disappeared whenever she looked at this lovely girl? She caressed her plaster arm and hold her carefully in a bride style with no effort. She was too light. "I'll put her in bed." She said in front the stairs.

"Ok. Don't worry for us." Midori responded while Chikara kept sulking.

Layla sighed lightly and took the stairs through their bedroom. She put her girlfriend delicately under the sheets and lay down besides her still admiring her sleeping head. She stayed like that a long time before joining her for a nap.

Martha Robbins felt a little depressed. All of her efforts to join her family with the Naeginos were useless. They just received a call from Chikara thanking them for their hospitality but now they'll lived next to their daughter and her room-mate. She didn't understood how things could turn this way. With the Naeginos in their house, Sora and Ken would have naturally come closer and with time a romance would have blossomed. She was sure of it. Her son was such a fine man. How could Sora not fall for him? Her french boy-toy wasn't a match! He left for another country when she was in a coma and still wasn't back now she was awake! What kind of love is that?!

But for now she was helping her husband and her son in putting the Naginos luggage in their car. Ralph proposed nicely to bring them back their luggage when Chikara intended to come and take them by himself. Martha also thought it would be nice if Ken went with him. That he would see where Sora lives and show her parents how nice he was. Of course Lucy got jealous and demanded to follow them.

They put the last bag and started the car. Martha waved them with melancholy. If only she thought. If only Sora wasn't dating that douche. If only Sora didn't have this accident. If only she had stay at their house. She got inside with that last thought.

The three others Robbins arrived to Layla and Sora's residence in less than ten minutes. It was the end of afternoon. Chikara waited for them at the security door. He thanks them for their help while they took the elevator.

Ralph found his friend more expressive than the last days. Was it because of Sora? It seemed like he was less worried. More happier even. As if a lift disappeared from his shoulders. The smile he wore since they saw him was more sincere too. He recognized the man who became his friend. Not the desperate man who feared for his creditors. And Ralph was happy for him. "Oh before I forget. My boss signed the contract. You're starting Monday morning. We'll goo to work together, so be ready at 9."

"Really!" Chikara couldn't be more thankful. Now his new life actually started. Soon they will pay back their debt. "I don't know what to say for all you did."

Ralph put a hand on his friend shoulder while the elevator door opened. "There is no need to say anything. We're glad to help our friend."

Still, Chikara was thankful.

They were now in front of two entrance doors. "So which one is it?" Lucy asked.

"The left one. Sora lives in the right with Layla." Chikara explained while putting his keys on his door. "Tadaïama! Ha! Ha!" He turned to his guests. "Actually no one is here. They're all in the other apartment. You can put the luggage anywhere."

They all got inside and let the luggage in the living room. The flat was a carbon copy of Layla and Sora one. Except it was quite empty outside a fully equipped kitchen. They could even do without a dinning table thanks to the implemented stools in front the bar kitchen.

"You know I think we have some furniture for you at work we don't need anymore. We can get them this weekend." Ralph suggested.

"No I can't accept. You already did too much." Chikara protested. He started to feel like a charity cause.

"I insist Chikara. Otherwise we'll throw them away. They'll be better there. Don't you think?"

Sora's father hesitated a moment and then he gave up. They needed the furniture. But he will payback every cent of generosity he received. "Thanks."

"I prefer this word." Said a smiling Ralph. "Now can we see Sora for a minute? And I think Lucy would love an autograph from Layla. She's dying to ask since she saw her this morning."

"Dad! Don't say it loud in front of Miss Layla!" Lucy beg knowing it was useless. Since she twas hirteen she felt like her father made a mission to embarrass her at every occasion.

"Sure. But unfortunately Layla is not here which is why Midori and Yume stayed next door with Sora." Chikara informed while opening the door.

"I'm so unlucky. Where is she? Maybe if we wait?" Lucy asked hopefully.

"Sora wanted ice cream. Layla went out to buy some." Chikara revealed while knocking on the right door. "I don't remember raising such a spoiled child." Chikara added more for himself.

"Wow! Miss Layla is so nice. I can't wait to see her." Lucy said with excitement.

Chikara could only agree despite himself.

Midori was the one who welcomed them. They found Sora and Yume on the corner sofa. Yume was sitting on her sister's laps, legs crossed, and playing with her. She was clapping her hands every time Sora made a weird face.

"Please have a seat. I'm bringing some drinks." Midori hastily returned to the kitchen to watch on the dinner.

Ralph thank her and sat on the sofa with his children and Sora's father.

"Good afternoon everyone!" Sora said with a welcoming smile.

"Good afternoon to you Sora. You seem in pretty good mood." Ralph noticed.

Midori interrupted them to put the drinks.

"I am!" Sora replied. She was so happy that she dared to glance at Ken for the first time in a long time.

The honey-haired boy was taken aback. When was the last time he could admire her smile? Whatever made her happy was good in his mind. Seeing this smile was enough. But Léon failed as a boyfriend to put such her happy expression on Sora. She was better without him apparently. He thought he could be contend with the situation if she was single. Even if she didn't like him back. He was happy as long she was smiling like that. And it wasn't the only surprise of the day for him.

He saw Sora putting her sister on Lucy's laps and sat on her wheelchair. Then she look at him. "I'd like to see the sunset on the balcony. Can you push my chair?"

"Of course!" He immediately answered. Was it his chance? Did Léon and her broke up? He came behind her and led them on the balcony separated with the living room by a sliding glass door.

The balcony was as spacious as the rest of the apartment. There was some deck chairs under a parasol on the right. But the best thing was the view. There was the sea and-

"It's the Kaleido stage!" Ken said with high voice.

"Yes. And the view is even better from the bedroom terrace." Sora said enthusiastically.

Ken stared above and noticed a small veranda. So that's were she sleeps he told himself. And then another thought crossed him. "Is there only one bedroom? Where does Miss Layla sleep?" He suddenly asked.

Sora look at him intensely. She was afraid and resolved at the same time. She was tired of all the lies. She was convinced only the truth could help them to restore their friendship. "Ken I'm sorry but I lied to you for some times now."

"You lying? Impossible! Why?" He was doubtful. Sora couldn't lie. Why would she?

Sora sighed, resigned. "Léon and I never dated. Not once. How could we? He's more like a brother."

Ken's eyes opened greatly. What did she said? They weren't dating! He didn't understand. "Why Sora? Why lying like that to everybody?!"

"Not everybody Ken. As for today only you, Kalos and May don't know the truth." Sora explained apologetically. "I told the truth to my parents as soon as they arrived. Mia and Anna were the first to know with Yuri and Léon of course. Mia told the truth to the others after-after"

"After I kissed you forcefully." He finished with an apologetic face. "So that's why she didn't want me there." He felt like he went through a midst for a long time. And only now he could see the light. But something was still unclear. Then it hit him. He looked up again towards the bedroom balcony and finally put the last piece of the puzzle. "There is no need for anther bedroom, isn't it?" It was a retorted question. He sadly already knew the answer.

"No. Layla and I are dating since this summer. And we're happy. I'm happy with her Ken." Sora hoped he would accept the simple truth.

"That's why you were miserable all this time. Because she wasn't there?" He asked, heartbroken.

Sora felt bad for him but she couldn't give him what he wanted. "Yes. It was hard without her by my side."

It was the last straw. He felt on his knees crying. "I'm so so sorry! I-I"

"I know. It's okay Ken. I forgive you." She cried with him. What a waste! All those lies only complicated things.

They stayed there for minutes before Ken spoke again. He whipped his tears and stood up. "I think I need to apologize to Layla to. But I fear what she might do." He said scratching his head.

Sora just laughed.

"But Sora what about Kalos? I'm not sure he will accept it. Did you know the kaleido had a gay couple before?"

"No. I didn't."

Ken had his most serious face. "Kalos asked the two male performers to choose. The Stage or their love." He took a big respiration and continued. "They chose love but they still broke up. They both missed their work and blamed the other. They got back to the Kaleido but working together without being together was harder. One of them died on stage. It was an accident but the other couldn't bear it. He blamed Kalos for forcing them to choose. And then he commit suicide."

"Oh my!" Sora covered her mouth, too shocked.

Ken thought about the public's reaction too. But he didn't want to put too much things in Sora's mind. "I really hope Layla and you will be stronger but you have to think about it. About your choice and its consequences."

She was about to answer when she heard Layla's voice. Ken could see her eyes getting brighter and a smile forming on her mouth. This was the Sora he loved and he had to admit only Layla could bring her out. Only the Stage made her that happy. "Let's go inside." He said, resigned pushing her wheelchair.

He asked her something when they entered in the living room.

"Of course!" She replied in a high tone. Then she got up from her chair and put herself in Layla's arms. "You're finally here!"

"I was just out for half an hour." Layla said with ice cream in each hand. "I would have been quicker if you hadn't asked for these strange perfumes. Who eat ginger and turmeric ice cream?"

"I do! Thanks." Sora kissed her on the cheek and whispered something near her ear. "I'll put them in the fridge." She said taking the ice cream.

Soon after, Layla turned to their guests. "Good night everyone."

"Good night miss Layla." The Robbins said with an echo.

The more he sees Sora and Layla together, the more Ralph was surprised by their friendship. It was more deep and sincere than some love relationship. Did a shared passion really get people so close?

Layla notice Lucy's stare. She looked like an envious puppy. "Can I do something for you?" She asked gently.

Lucy couldn't control her squeal. The Golden Phoenix Layla Hamilton spoke to her. Her friends would get so jealous. Ken worked with her for years but he could never give her access to her lodge.

"Can I give you a check kiss too?" She asked, getting her phone ready for a selfie.

"Lucy!" Ken couldn't believe his sister's request.

Of course Layla refused. She simply gave an autograph. Then she hold Yume with her right arm. "Me and the little missy here will take a shower before dinner." She announced heading to the stairs.

Yume seemed quite happy and laughed loudly.

"Thank you very much. I was busy with the dinner and didn't have time." Midori reported a little embarrassed. Sora was too weak to watch her sister in a bath and had to be careful with her plastered arm. Chikara was entertaining their guests. He couldn't leave to bath his daughter. She had hesitated to ask but Layla accepted immediately.

"I'm going too!" Sora claimed using Layla's free arm as support to go upstairs.

Ken preferred to not think about it.

Midori seemed to reflect on it for an instant, then she decided her dinner was more important.

Chikara and Ralph were too busy on their conversation on the other side of the living room and didn't witness the scene.

Lucy on the other hand was even more envious. "A shower with Layla Hamilton. The guys in my middle school would kill for it. I would win infinite popularity points if I could go with them." But she would not dare asking when Layla refused a simple kiss.

In the kaleido cafeteria, a bored Rosetta observed May while she was cooking.

"There, it's done." May said putting food in two tupperware.

Rosetta stared strangely at the two box. "Why is the food in the blue box seems so weird?"

May showed her most demoniac smile. "The red is for Miss Layla. The blue one is for Sora."

Rosetta face showed her fear. "What's in the box May?"

May just kept on grinning. "Something to punish her for using her accident to make miss Layla feeling pity for her. If I had known I'll have throw myself under a car to live with miss Layla."

"No offense May but I think I'll be the one to care of you." Rosetta said, thinking of buying some medicine for Sora just in case.

May looked at her a little depressed. It probably was the truth. But at least she will get her revenge. "I'll deliver the food tomorrow. Let's eat."

Happy new year everyone !

Well it was supposed to be a two parts chapter but it got a little too big and almost became a three parts. I decide to publish this part separately.

Hope you'll like it.

To my guest reviewer : Muchas gracias. Espero que eso capitulo te gustara.