Kaleido star and its characters belong to Gonzo and Jun'ichi Sato.

Just before noon, Layla and Sora changed for casuals clothes. Layla wore a white skirt and an elegant red top whereas Sora wore a white tank top and a jean skirt Layla found a little too short.

Sora was on the phone with Manami when the door rang. Layla thought it was the Naeginos. She hoped they came with foods. Otherwise she will have to order something or cook herself another rice salad. It was still the only recipe she could master. But it was Yuri followed with May and Rosetta. She swore and closed the door immediately without saying anything. The gods hated her, she thought while she returned in the living room with Sora.

"Who was it?" The Japanese girl asked, hanging up her cellphone.

"No one. Just a mistake." Layla replied sitting next to Sora when the bell rang again.

"Who is it Layla?" Sora asked again.

Layla sighed, cursing herself. "Yuri with May and Rosetta."

Sora reflected on the information. She didn't think seeing Yuri now was a good idea. And she expected May being upset because she was living with Layla. Rosetta was the only pleasant surprise. "You already opened the door, it's rude to not invite them."

"Are you sure?" Layla inquired. She knew Sora was still troubled by her last revelation.

"Yes. No one forced you to see those girls after all." Sora said sarcastically looking away.

Layla sighed again and stood up. Regrets wasn't part of her vocabulary but right now she wished she could change the past. Whether it was to prevent herself to say the truth to Sora or to use call girls. She opened the door with her most annoyed face.

Yuri got frightened. "Wh-What is that face?"

Layla didn't answer and invited them inside.

May immediately showed her homemade food. "Happy birthday! This one is for you miss Layla. I know Sora doesn't know how to cook."

"Thanks." Layla said while they arrived in the living room. She was quite hungry.

"Hi Sora!" Rosetta said in a upper voice.

"Hi Rosetta!" Sora replied with the same enthusiasm. She invited the younger girl to sat next to her. Rosetta complied gladly.

May helped Layla in the kitchen to warm the food.

Yuri sat in front of Sora and Rosetta. He felt something heavy in the air but didn't know why. Did their honeymoon already ended, he wondered. "Hmm." He started. "How do you feel Sora?"

Sora was stroking Rosetta's hair lightly. The redhead was resting on her shoulder, trying to feel Sora's warm. She still needed to be reassured that she was alive. "To be honest Yuri, right now I don't like you."

"What?" Rosetta and Yuri reacted at the same time.

"Is it because of the cabaret? Whatever Layla told you, let me explain my vision." Yuri was almost begging. He feared his project would fail.

"The cabaret?" A bewildered Sora asked. "I don't understand."

"But I thought-" Yuri started when Layla interrupted him.

"I didn't say anything about your project." Layla told while sitting next to him.

May was dressing the coffee table with the foods she brought. Rosetta looked at it, a little scared. She still didn't know what was in Sora part.

"Oh! But why do you I feel I did something wrong?" A lost Yuri questioned.

"Because you advised my girlfriend to have unhealthy sex!" Sora didn't shout her words but her anger could be heard.

But it wasn't loud enough to hide the sound of a falling plate on the ground. "What did you say? Did Léon change sex? Or- I don't understand?!" May was clearly confused by Sora's words.

Rosetta opened her mouth and closed it quickly. Sora accidently dropped a bomb. Yuri made a weird face, between shock and amusement. Layla just sighed while rolling her eyes. She should have expected it. Sora was less and less cautious since she told the truth to her family. Yet at the same time she didn't thought May was a threat. Like a dog she only barked.

While May looked at everyone dumbfounded, Yuri started to laughed loudly. "So she know about your previous partners?" It was more a retorted question to Layla. He understood now why Sora was in bad mood.

Layla preferred to ignore him. She knew Sora would bother her with more questions as soon as her birthday will end.

"Hello! Can someone please enlighten me?" May felt like she was the only one in the dark.

Seeing no one would say anything, Rosetta took in charge. "Sora and Léon never dated May. It was a cover for Sora and Layla."

The Chinese girl stared at everyone waiting for a joke that never came. They couldn't be serious. That was too much. She could accept a special bond between the two of them. But that was too much! She couldn't compete in love! "You won't get away with it!" She shouted to Sora. "Eat your meal!" She ordered.

"Huh?" Sora reacted, a little lost. But she still obeyed. If it was the only consequence. She feared May would be more upset. But when she picked up her fork, Rosetta stopped her.

"Take mine! I'll eat yours." She suggested, taking her plate.

"O-okay."

Layla looked at them strangely. May didn't care about Rosetta's intervention. She actually bet on it. Sora would feel more guilty that way.

They eat their meals silently. Too much silently. It looks like they were grieving. Suddenly Rosetta touched her stomach. "Where are the toilets?"

"Next the entrance, at the left." Layla answered quietly.

"Enjoy them for the day!" May cried.

"Did you really put laxatives in Sora's food?" Yuri said.

"Hmmpf. If I had known the truth it would have been worse. I hope you feel guilty. Poor Rosetta won't have any rest for the day." May crossed her arms and pouted, still upset. She couldn't be mad at Layla yet. She still admired the woman.

Sora didn't answer and walked towards Layla. She sat on her laps and started to kiss her with hunger. Layla was surprised but still responded to the kiss. It might be her last for a moment because of earlier revelation.

"Cough, cough." Yuri tried to remember them they weren't alone. "Ladies, ladies, we understood. May understood too. Right May?"

But May was too mortified to reply. She was livid, slowly sat back on the couch and suddenly she fainted.

Sora quickly regretted her act and stopped her kisses. Layla already missed them.

Yuri checked on her. She was still breathing. "She'll wake up, eventually."

Sora breathed of relief and left Layla's laps to sat next to her.

"So while the little one visit your toilets and this one is sleeping, how about a little talk?" Yuri suggested.

Sora had a questioning face and then light hit her. "You were talking about a cabaret?"

"Yes." Yuri replied. He explained everything about the project from start to end. He gauged Sora's attitude to see if she was interested.

She seemed skeptical at first when he talked about a mature tone. After that, intrigued when he revealed Cathy would work with Mia on the first play. He totally won her attention when he implied Layla might be part of it too. Sora turned to her girlfriend to inquisition her. "Is that true? You're coming back and we'll be partners again?"

Layla considered her answer. She was still unsure about the whole project and Sarah's idea. But she trusted Cathy to make a great play with Mia help. And it was a way to make Sora happy. "Would I be forgiven if I say yes?" She asked to Sora looking at her eyes.

How unfair, Sora thought. She wanted to be a little mad at Layla for her previous behavior but at the same time, it's true that it was in the past. As long as she didn't use her like in New-York again, she could let it go. "Fine, if you promise to do this play with me."

Layla was surprised of her quick reply. She thought she would ask for time before deciding. Now, she was the one who hesitated. "You really want it?"

"Yes, Layla. On last time. The two of us in the same scene." It was like a plea.

Layla lightly stroked Sora's face and traced her lips with her finger before she bent for a brief kiss. "Then we will." She declared with smile. They were taking a risk but maybe it will worth it.

Yuri sighed loudly. He made it. His project came true. And it couldn't be better. "Thanks ladies. I'm really grateful." He then turned to Sora and low his head. "I'm sorry for the bad advice I gave to Layla at that time. I was revengeful and unaware of love. I didn't think about the consequences."

"Don't apologize. I made my own choices." Layla asserted. She won't let anyone else took the blame. That said, she didn't see what was wrong in what she did. It was before Sora and only professional relationships.

After Rosetta came back, Yuri decided to send the two girls at the hospital just in case. Layla didn't want any party for her birthday, just a family dinner. So he gifted her driving lessons. Both for her and Sora. Once she removes her plaster arm.

"That's cool!" Sora exclaimed. She was quite excited.

Layla wasn't so enthusiast. With Sora on the road she will have another reason to worry.

It was the middle of the afternoon, Archibald was driving M. Hamilton to Layla and Sora's home. They were discussing about yesterday's meeting at the lawyer office.

"That's quite a mess up story, Richard." Archibald said. "I understand their grief and solitude but what they did is so fu-"

"Watch your words!" M. Hamilton warned. "A CEO has to be respectable in any circumstances." That's said, Richard agreed with Archibald. It really was a mess up situation. And he feared Layla's reaction. "Layla just started a new life and today is Layla's birthday. No word until everything is settled."

"It can be sooner than you wish. M. Green said that it can happen at any time now." Archibald was still unsure about Layla but he thought maybe Sora could help her to digest the new.

"The latter the better for once." Richard concluded.

Archibald decided to change the subject. "So, what is your gift?" It took him a long reflection but he thought he had the perfect gift.

Richard got back his smile. "I thought Sora and her would enjoy some time alone on our yacht for a little cruise before they get back to work."

"In your private island?" Archibald was impressed. No one had put a feet there since Rola death.

Richard stared at the ocean before he answered. "Yes. It's time to move on."

"Layla will be grateful. A lot of memories stayed there." He sighed a little. "Now I feel ridiculous with my gift."

"You can still buy a bigger island but my daughter's birthday is not a competition. Keep this spirit for work." Richard said. "While we're at it. Since Layla is twenty-one, she will be a member of the board to represent her mother' shares."

"I'll need a payment of months in advance even for a tiny island." He laughed at himself. "I'm not sure Layla want to be part of Hamilton Corp. now that she has warmed up about the cabaret project. Maybe you should keep doing it." The bearded man advised.

Richard seemed to reflect about his words. "She can do both. The board has a meeting only once a week. She has to get used to them. Once I'll retire for good, she'll represent me too. And I know Layla, she may have warmed up to this project but she mainly want to control Sora. I'm not sure it's a good idea for them to work together finally."

"But you won't say anything." Archibald stated.

"I won't say anything." Richard confirmed when they arrived at destination."

At the Robbins, Martha was having a heated conversation with her son. Ken told her he would renounce totally about Sora and asked her to not try anything to settle them. She was confused. How could he give up so lightly. Especially when her said boyfriend was so uncaring and disrespectful.

"Mom is right Ken. Don't give up now! Knock him out!" His sister encouraged him by making a upper cut in the air with her fist.

They were all sitting in the living room. His father just got back from work. Ken had waited for everyone before making his declaration.

"But didn't you see how she was happy yesterday Lucy? You too dad?" Ken wanted to avoid the truth but he feared he'll have to be more clear.

"Yes it's true but it clearly not thanks to her boyfriend." Ralph noticed.

"Yeah, it was thanks to Miss Layla. Oh Sora is lucky to live with her. I could totally turn lesbian for her!"

"Lucy!" Her mother shouted. "Don't ever joke with that! Any rumours might make your life hell. People get killed because of that! Women get raped! Do you want that?!" Martha knew her reaction was a little too explosive but some hidden memories came back. It was the second time in few weeks this subject came in the conversation. Why?

"Calm down, mom. I'm not a lesbian. I mean it's not like I have any chance with Miss Layla. She couldn't even give me a check kiss. Which is unfair since she didn't seem to mind the one by Sora earlier."

"It was a thank you kiss, honey. And they're close friends. You do the same with your girls friends, don't you?" Her father retorted.

"Yeah, but…" She knew it wasn't the same but one can dream. Maybe she can try with Anna next time.

M. Robbins put a hand on his wife's shoulder to reassure her. "Don't worry, Lucy is not your sister. She's thirteen. Girls are close with each other at this age but it passes with time."

Martha stared at her daughter looking for a confirmation.

"Yeah, I'm not. Really mom you freak out for nothing."

Mrs. Robbins sighed of relief. The last thing she wanted was seeing her daughter living the same life as her sister. A hidden life with harms and regrets. She wanted hope for her children. She wanted hope for Ken. "Please honey, don't give up if Sora is your dream girl." And an ideal daughter-in-law she thought for herself.

Ken breathed loudly. His aunt left her husband for a woman after five years of marriage. She hide her desires because of fear but couldn't pretend anymore. Her husband was marriage was a lie all along. Even after she died of illness, he was still resentful. And Ken didn't want to be this man. But at the same time his feelings were still there and a part of him was still hoping. What if Layla wasn't there? Would Sora have looked at him? He sighed again. He shouldn't go there.

"Mom, Sora and Layla are leaving together."

Martha stared at his son perplexed. "Yes, we know that Ken. Layla is helping Sora for her convalescence." She looked at her husband and her daughter who were bost as confused.

Ken wanted to laugh. Now that he thought about the last two months, he could see all the signs of their relationship. But he was blind before. And so are people like his family. "Mom, Layla bought an entire floor for Sora and her. The Naeginos are leaving in the flat next door. Don't you think that's a little generous for a friend? Even for a best friend?"

"Well those people are drowning in money. They probably threw millions every month." Martha replied, still lost.

"No. Not Miss Layla. She's not extravagant with her money. And she works harder than anyone. Only Sora beats her in this domain." Ken had no doubts Layla was a great person and he could understood why Sora was so in love. But a dark side of him hoped she may not be a great partner in love.

"What are you trying to tell us Ken?" His father asked, a little exasperated.

"Nothing. Nothing. You're right. I shouldn't give up so easily." He prefered to lie to his family. If they didn't get the hints, maybe now wasn't the time.

"Ah! Finally!" His mother exclaimed.

"Exactly!" His father said tapping his back. "And you can start back tomorrow when we'll help them to move in their new furniture."

"Yeah." He hoped Sora wouldn't mind it.

The rest of day was quite uneventful. The Naeginos came in the middle of the afternoon, at the same time as Richard. Archibald couldn't stay because of a meeting but still wished Layla a happy birthday. He noticed Sora's glare when he asked news on her health but he had to go.

Midori was cooking in the kitchen while Richard and Chikara were discussing in the living-room. Sora and Layla were enjoying the sunset on their veranda. Yume was a little tired and was sleeping on their bed.

Both were sitting on the same deck chair. Layla was on her back with Sora resting her head on her chest. They both were smiling while Layla was stroking Sora's hair. They just were simply happy.

"Sora?"

"Yes?"

"I have something for you." Layla said.

"Something for me?" Sora asked surprised. "Shouldn't I be the one to say that?"

Layla laughed a little. "Yesterday gift was all I needed."

Sora looked up at her girlfriend. "So that means I didn't have to buy you something?" Sora said with irony.

"Well, if you give me another gift as yesterday I won't mind." Layla said with a seductive voice.

Sora laughed with all of her heart and gave her a peck. "Three days at Vegas!"

"Vegas?"

"Yes. I want to have a lot of fun in different places with you." Sora explained with a high tone.

"Well, we'll sure have a lot of fun in Vegas." Layla with a pensive look. "Thanks for your gift." She kissed Sora's forehead with tenderness and hold her closer. "I love you so much."

Sora looked up with a smile and got up to sat on Layla, legs on each side. The blond woman licked her lips with anticipation. And then Sora got closer for a kiss. Slow, slow at first while Layla caressed her thighs with longing. The kiss became less chaste and showed their hunger for each other.

"There is strip bar in some hotel rooms in Vegas. Can I hope for a show?" Layla asked between two kisses before heading towards Sora's neck while her left hand was wandering under Sora's skirt.

But Sora stopped her hand with her right one, and their kisses to stare at her. "You're quite pervert, aren't you?"

"It's all your fault for being too sexy." She pulled up Sora's skirt too stare at her legs. "Next week I'll eat all of you. You won't have a rest."

Sora shared an estactic giggle. "What's about my gift?"

Layla glanced towards their bedroom. "On your nightstand."

Sora stood up happily and entered in their room. She walked on her tiptoes to not wake up her sister. She saw a black velvet box on her nightstand and opened it. It was a silver necklace with a wing-shaped pendant. Sora stared at the phoenix shaped wing for a long time. She swore she had seen it somewhere. Then she remembered. It was in a picture of Layla's mother on her room, to the Hamilton's house. It was a something precious to Layla and she trusted Sora with it. The Japanese girl couldn't stop the tears falling on her cheeks.

She was still crying when she felt Layla enlacing her from behind. "Layla, it's too much. I can't-"

"I could not love someone else the way I love you. So please accept it as a proof of my love and commitment." She pressed her arms tighter around Sora's waist and hummed her hair.

"I will." Sora said turning around for a sweet kiss. "Can you put it?"

Layla took the necklace and placed it on Sora. The Japanese girl smiled when she felt Layla's lips on her neck. "Thanks for being born."

Hi, everyone. It's midnight here but I hope it's still Sunday somewhere.

Thanks for reading and following Another wing.

See you soon.