A/N: Kind reminder that the Siesta mentioned here is a completely different character than Shiro. Shiro IS the original Siesta's genderbend version. This one here is kind of an inner joke of mine.

The Stray Girl and the Incompetent Mage

Chapter 20: The Sailor Uniform

...

Sachiko has never considered herself to be a very interesting person. She doesn't have hobbies, or any special abilities. She can't dance, or sing, or draw. Cooking is very difficult for her and sewing impossible. Playing an instrument is nothing more than a far off dream. Despite all of this, she tries. She tried finding something she was good at, before being summoned, and even farther back always had it in her mind to try for new things, discover what she could do.

It took her a great part of her early teenage years and even late childhood to muster up the courage to do something for herself, beyond the mundane routine of going to school, do homework, eat and sleep; years of seeing her friends going to their after school clubs while she went back home, wondering what her mother would do for dinner.

If someone were to ask her why it took her so much time, she wouldn't have a definite answer. Her detachment to most things certainly played a part in staying in a comfortable life, refusing to accept experimenting new things, but it wouldn't be farfetched to assume that same detachment was the result of a life having people telling her what she can or cannot do. Subtly prohibiting her from deciding things on her own.

Come back home directly from school. Don't raise your voice. Use those clothes. Don't play with that. Stay still. Smile. Do that. Don't do that. We wouldn't tell you what to do if it wasn't good for you Sachiko.

Was it just her? It couldn't be just her, right? Surely other kids were always told off by their parents, their teachers. And yet, when she looked around, she could see other girls laughing together, playing without a care in the world. She could see the boys running around or fighting. Yes, their parents yelled at them. Yes, the teachers reprimanded them. But it felt so different.

"Do you understand Sachiko?"

Sixth grade; physical education class. Everybody had to run fifteen laps in order to pass the exam.

Not Sachiko.

While the others were finished and able to return to class, Sachiko was asked to stay behind.

"I… think I do" she nods, her small hands grabbing a ball. It's heavier than a normal ball though, the material hard and unyielding. With a small breath, she closes her eyes, takes impulse, and runs. Once she reaches the white line, she throws the ball with as much force as she can. It flies, soars through the sky, until it finally hits the ground with a flat sound, rolling a few meters until it completely stops.

"That's great Sachiko! That must be a good thirty meters!" her teacher claps enthusiastically. Sachiko bends over her knees and gasps, retaking as much oxygen as she can. Is it normal to get so winded from just throwing a ball? She did run a little, but still… "That would be all Sachiko. The test is over. You can go back to your class now."

She nods, straightening her back and letting out a sigh. For a moment she closes her eyes, feeling the cool wind of early spring against her skin. She's tired.

"Sensei" she says once her heartbeat and breathing are back to normal. The older woman looks up from a few papers she had been reviewing, her eyes getting round at seeing her still there.

"Sachiko, I thought I told you could go back to the classroom" then her face shifts, a worried expression replacing the sunny one she had before. "Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps I should take you to the infirmary…"

"I'm fine sensei" she cuts her off before she can go further. There's something she wants to know. "Sensei, why was I the only one who didn't run?"

The teacher purses her lips. She taps the clipboard in her hands with the pen she had been using, gathering her thoughts. Discerning what she can say and what not. Sachiko knows the pattern.

"Your parents asked specifically not to let you make any heavy exercise. You should know that by now Sachiko."

The not-answer. Not what she's looking for.

"I know that but… I want to know…" she bites her lower lip, looking at the ground. Her hands clench at her sides, her eyes getting harder as she looks up again, this time determined. "Why? They never tell me anything. I want to know why I can't play with my friends anymore. I want to know why I won't be assisting middle school with them this April. I want to know…" she abruptly closes her mouth, feeling that unnecessary sense of shame at raising her voice, even if it was just slightly. Her mother wouldn't be happy about that.

The teacher sighs, bringing Sachiko's eyes once again towards her. Her eyes are soft; the kind of soft Sachiko has already learned associates with pity.

"It's not my place to say anything Sachiko. All the things you want to know, the good and the bad, those you should ask your parents" she walks up to her, before patting her kindly on the head. She smiles at her, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "Now go back to your classroom, I'm sure your classmates are worried about you taking so long."

Her classmates, right, of course they would be worried, they always are, just like the teachers, just like her parents.

She deflates, her chin lowering to her chest and a pout on her lips. "Ok sensei. Sorry for importuning you."

"Ah, I wonder if it's alright like this" Sachiko says, holding up the top of the sailor uniform she bought just the day before. She's not the best with a needle and a thread, but the few lessons she had with Siesta seems to have paid off. Across from her, the kind maid smiles, extending her hand and looking at her work once Sachiko gives it to her.

"Mm, it is good. Though it is a bit short" she comments, putting the shirt against her front and seeing it reaches almost to navel level. "Is it supposed to be like this?"

"Wait, so short?!" Sachiko jumps up, answering Siesta's question. The maid laughs softly upon seeing the younger girl looking at the shirt with distress. "Shoot, I didn't even realize it…"

"If it makes you feel better, the stitches are perfect. You did a good job Sachiko" she folds a few shirts and pants, stacking them neatly on a basket at her side, her face placid and voice light. Sachiko pouts, putting down the shirt and sighing. "It is quite unfortunate, but you have two other shirts you can work on to replace that one. Now that you know what to do it should be easier, no?"

"Um, maybe, but…" she bites her lips, before shaking her head. "Well, it doesn't matter, I can still use this one" she fists the piece of clothing in her hand, her eyes starting to glow determined. Siesta blinks, surprised.

"Are you sure? It might be a little…"

"Its fine, it's not like I'll be wearing it to go outside. Besides, it might not look so bad. With all the effort I put into this at the very least I want to see how I look with it" she grabs another piece of clothing, this time a skirt, and walks behind a screen, ready to change. She can hear Siesta humming behind it, her hands still working with the clean clothes.

"Alright, I won't stop you."

There's no malice in her tone, but Sachiko can hear slight amusement there. She shakes her head, taking off her parka and shirt, deciding to ignore the maid for now. She's a strange one for sure, quiet and calm but with the smallest touch of snark, enough to bite but not to sting. She should be grateful to her though. After all, she's letting her use the maids' private quarters in order to carry on this little experiment of hers. Staying the night wasn't the issue; the issue was convincing Louis she had something important to do for which she couldn't sleep that night with him. Siesta helped with her excuse, and for hours the two stayed awake, Sachiko sewing and mending and Siesta supervising her work.

It should be worth it though. Looking at herself in the mirror once she's done changing, she tilts her head to the side, tapping her lips wondering if there's something she's missing.

The lowered neck, ironed cuffs and shortened waist area are good. It doesn't look as bad once the getup is complete. Sure, a small portion of her belly can be seen, but it isn't a big deal, even if she feels slightly insecure. After all, unlike other girls, Sachiko has never been able to have a completely flat stomach, even though she's quite slender.

The skirt is one she has borrowed from Kirche. She would have asked her to lend it to her, but to her surprise, the redhead was not in the academy anymore, having left the day before with Tabitha somewhere. In any case, having so many she wouldn't notice one missing. It is shortened –as impossible as that may sound considering is Kirche's skirt– reaching the line of her shorts.

She would have borrowed Kirche's school shoes as well, but unfortunately, she only had knee-high boots, so she had to settle for her blue tennis that match with the deep blue scarf of the uniform. And then, her normal cotton black stockings.

It should be perfect, but what is she missing?

"Oh" she takes out a hair tie and ties her hair in a high ponytail. Now it's perfect.

"Are you done Sachiko?" Siesta's voice drips off from the other side of the screen. It surprises her slightly, but then she snorts. Of course Siesta would like to see the final ensemble; after all, she did spend most of the night up helping her.

"Alright, what do you think?" she steps out and opens her arms, turning around so she can look at it from all angles. Siesta has a pensive expression on her face. It makes Sachiko a bit nervous, since the maid has that critical eye on her that she's gotten used to see whenever she's about to make a derogatory comment.

But instead she just smiles, closing her eyes and tilting her head to the side. "You look adorable. You were right; the short shirt does not hinder the ensemble at all."

Sachiko sighs in relief, turning around and looking at herself in the mirror. "Thank you Siesta… for everything."

"You're welcome. But, if you don't mind me asking" Sachiko looks at her again. Siesta has a small frown, her hands holding a shirt without folding it. Sachiko waits for her question, a little astounded at the woman's expression. "Why were you so adamant on wearing something like that? I won't deny the final result is not flattering, but to put so much effort on a simple uniform…"

"It's… something of my home" she explains lightly, a little distantly. "The girls at my country… they use this as a school uniform."

"Showing their navels and all?" Siesta asks, teasing. Sachiko blushes.

"Of course not! Just…" she fumbles a little, her hands moving up and down as she explains. "It's not exactly the same; however, I've always wanted to use one. You see, I never had the chance to wear this uniform because I didn't go to middle school and, and well, I guess I wanted to feel how it would have been like and… when I saw the uniform then I thought I could try…" she looks to the side, her voice losing a little of volume. Her cheeks are red and her eyes a bit moist. Suddenly she feels ridiculous. What is she trying to achieve, using a sailor uniform just to fuel her fantasies?

While it's true she didn't go to middle school, it's not like she lost any classes. Soon after finishing elementary school she moved out with her grandmother who lived in the countryside. While she could have studied in a school there, her grandma didn't want her to go, so instead she was homeschooled all the three years until she moved back with her parents in time for her first year of high school. And her high school didn't have sailor uniforms.

And true, maybe not all middle schools had sailor uniforms, but the one her friends went to did, and she wanted to… at the very least… and the color was the same so how could she not?

Suddenly a laugh fills the room. Not unkind, but it's enough to get Sachiko embarrassed all over again. She looks at Siesta with a pout, her blush covering her cheeks.

"It's alright Sachiko, I think I can understand. I never went to school either" she confesses, her eyes taking on a longing glint. "It would have been nice going, but unfortunately I wasn't able to, not with my mother sick and my younger siblings needing me there."

Sachiko looks at her, feeling sad for her, deciding not to correct and tell her she actually did go to school. It's a strange thing, finding people like Siesta or even Marteau, good people who didn't have the chance of a proper education and yet they're working on a school. Most of the commoners never learn how to read or write, from what she was able to hear in passing. It should not sound so foreign to her but it does, and she doesn't quite know what to make of it.

"Anyway" Siesta says, standing up and breaking the heavy atmosphere that had grown at their conversation. "With this done, I would like to excuse myself. It's a new day and there is plenty of work to be done" she passes by Sachiko's side, smiling at her, the basket at her hip. "I will see you around, Sachiko."

"Ah, yes, see you" she waves to the maid as she departs, before looking at herself in the mirror again. She turns this way and then the other, appreciating her figure, before looking at her tummy. She can grab a bit of fat and it's frustrating, but maybe she shouldn't be so concerned. "Though looking at myself like this… it does look more revealing than it should be" she says, turning her head to look at her back and pulling her skirt down a bit more. "It actually looks like those uniforms worn by…"

An idea struck her.

"Maybe… I can show Shiro?" she wonders, her eyes turning to the floor and then back to her blushing reflection. It wouldn't hurt to ask his opinion on her sailor uniform, right?

The thing about Shiro that many people don't know; is that he's a rather simple person.

For one reason or another though, people were always trying to write him off as being more than what he actually is. He doesn't need a lot to be happy, quiet conversation and a warm meal at the end of the day is enough to brighten up his mood. And yet, sometimes people expect extraordinary things of him; flamboyant tastes or egotistic necessities.

For one, he would much rather just sit under the shadow of a tree and take a nap than go out to town and drink, flirt, or gamble like some of his coworkers. It's not like he's not good with people, on the contrary; his line of work as well as his upbringing ensured he would always be in contact with many types of people. But sometimes, he just wanted nothing more than to be alone with his thoughts, something that, surprisingly, was very difficult for others to understand.

Ever since he could remember, people were always drawn to him, one way or another. Whether it was to dislike him or adore him, he was always surrounded by people. Even if he wanted to blend with the background, it was a difficult thing to do when you had a metaphorical target attached to your back at all times.

Especially with women.

He would lie if he said there wasn't a time he didn't take advantage of the effect he had on them, but, as cliché as it sounded, he ultimately got tired of their different attempts to get his attention, of them batting their eyelashes or being loud, pretending to be something they were not because they thought he would like it.

Which is the reason he took a liking to Sachiko so quickly.

Granted, she showed from the beginning that she was clearly interested in him, something that didn't differ from the behavior of other women in his life, but what was different about her was that, unlike the rest, she did not try to feign being something she was not to get his attention. She didn't actively seek him out and always respected his personal space. She was simple and showed her interest in quiet ways, and that was something Shiro liked, because it didn't make him feel pressured or like he was some kind of prize to win.

He liked her humility too, and her drive whenever faced with something she was passionate about. She was so sincere and straightforward, without seemingly ulterior motives. He didn't think it twice once he decided he wanted to be with her.

Which is why, right in this moment, he's more than just a little bit curious at her cheery behavior and closed lips, refusing to tell him why she dragged him out of work –with Marteau's enthusiastic permission, by the way– to bring him to a secluded part of Vestri Court. When he asked, she simply told him she had a surprise for him and hid behind a column, telling him to wait for her.

And he has been waiting. For little more than five minutes that feels like an eternity.

"You… look really elated today, Sachiko" the young man comments in a casual tone, leaning against a wall and observing the bright blue sky above. It's not that he's anxious; he simply is trying to make small conversation while waiting. He has an idea of what Sachiko's 'surprise' is, by the sound of rustling behind the column.

Sachiko giggles.

"Well, yes. You see, yesterday I went to Tristania, and I bought these nice clothes… I wanted your opinion" she comments in an innocent voice. Shiro is not so inexperienced not to notice she's up to something, but he feigns innocence too, playing into her game.

"Is that so? Then I'm glad. I'm very curious about what kind of clothes you like to wear" or what kind of clothes she wants to show him specifically. He reprimands himself as soon as a certain, little spicy scenario plays out in his mind. It's too soon, he shouldn't be thinking like that.

His thoughts are interrupted by Sachiko, who finally steps out with a big smile. She giggles and spins around, letting her skirt lightly fly in the air.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!" she sings in between more giggles. She halts, and puts her hands behind her back, leaning slightly forward. "What do you think of my new clothes?" she asks coquettishly, slightly fluttering her eyelashes.

However, much to Sachiko's disappointment, Shiro's only reaction is a simple; "Oh, is that a military uniform?" question with a tilt of the head and a curious gleam in his eyes.

She pouts.

"Well, it is but…" she bites the inside of her cheek, a bit of her doubts from before coming back. Shiro realizes this, and although he doesn't know what brought this, he keeps pretending, knowing he will compensate her by the end.

"There's something wrong Sachiko?" he asks with a confused expression. Sachiko's cheeks heat up, unsure of how to tell him she was trying to seduce him now that her plan has failed, but there is no need for that, as he approaches her and leisurely puts his hands on her waist, gently tugging her until she has to use her hands to stop her chest from touching his.

"S-Shiro?" she asks in a high-pitched voice, her courage flying out the window as soon as she sees his eyes roaming over her figure, heating her skin and setting her heart to overdrive.

"Although, I must admit, your reinterpretation of a military uniform is quite the curious one. How come the skirt is so short?" he teases, one of his hands leaving her side to playfully flip one end of the skirt. Sachiko gasps, and instinctively slaps his hand off, sparking a low, masculine chuckle from him. "What's the problem Sachiko? Weren't you trying to get a reaction out of me by wearing this?"

"That's not… I mean…" she purses her lips, seeing his cheeky smile. He isn't wrong, but the way he says it is annoying her. Why does she feel like he's treating her like a child? Giving him a small but determined smile, she presses her chest against his and looks up, biting her lip. "So…" she pronounces slowly, playfully. "Do you like it?"

"I'm not sure" he makes a face as if he's contemplating this, which immediately destroys Sachiko's small determination. He chuckles, enjoying her reactions way too much. "I like that it shows more skin than is appropriate, but at the same time, I kinda don't like it because of that."

"Moo, stop playing with me" she puffs her cheeks and lightly hits him on the chest with her fists. Shiro chuckles again, this time louder, and Sachiko lets out a squeak when he presses her against him again, this time more firmly.

"I'm not playing with you, I'm being a hundred percent honest" he says, trying to put on a serious face, but the corners of his lips are twitching too much for Sachiko to believe him. Before she can chew him off, Shiro speaks again, this time really getting serious. "But what I'm saying it's true. Don't wear something like this outside… I mean, it is nice and you look very cute" her cheeks heat up again at his compliment, and Shiro can't help but smile tenderly at this, "but you don't need to wear this kind of thing, not for me, or at least not for now… and definitely not out here where anybody could come at any second and see you" he looks around, as if making sure they're completely alone, and Sachiko feels a small warmth spreading in her chest at his words.

She can tell he's surprised when she stands on her tiptoes and kisses him tentatively, but luckily for her he doesn't push her away, instead kissing her back, hugging her tightly.

Of course, the kiss doesn't take long to become more heated, and, to Sachiko's astonishment, Shiro suddenly backs her against the wall, a hand on the dip of her hip and the other on her nape, taking a hold of her hair and messing her ponytail a little. It's strange; he's not being brusque despite his initial approach, but his kisses are passionate, bruising tenderly and leaving her breathless. She tries her best to kiss him back, getting bold when his tongue presses against her lower lip and she grants him entrance, but after that she's lost. She has never French-kissed before.

"S-Shiro…" she pants when he retreats to breath. His lips are back on hers almost immediately, and she can feel his hands starting to roam both her back and her waist.

"It's alright" he says in between kisses. "Just… follow my lead…"

And she does just that, losing herself in the moment, thinking of nothing else but him, his hands, his slippery tongue, the warmth of his embrace and…

"EHEM!" that's a cough, a rather loud one, just behind them.

They separate immediately. Fearing the worse, Sachiko prepares herself for the impeding rage of Louis, but when she turns around, she just sees Guiche and Malicorne awkwardly standing there, their faces flushed and looking at them with a strange combination of anger and… excitement?

"…" Shiro doesn't say anything, but he's frowning, his body instinctively getting closer to hers, as if protecting her. This makes Sachiko feel bolder, and with a huff, she raises her chin and looks down on them.

"Ugh, what are you doing here? You completely ruined the mood" she complains, folding her arms. Their eyes follow that small movement, delighting themselves in the way her arms slightly squeeze her breasts. She hastily puts them at her sides, feeling utterly disgusted. "Well? Are you going to answer or will I have to make you?"

At that, the two wake up from their stupor. Guiche clears his throat.

"Sachiko, this behavior is completely unbecoming of a lady. Really, showing this kind of display in the middle of the day in a public place is just another reassurance of your low upbringing and…"

"…Someone really wants to be pummeled right now…"

"…and moreover, doing it in that outfit! What's with that outfit?" he demands furiously, but also at the verge of tears. Malicorne nods in agreement, seemingly as moved as Guiche. Sachiko rolls her eyes.

"A sailor uniform" she explains lifting a corner of her skirt. Their eyes are drawn automatically to that part. Sachiko has to make a real effort not to gag, especially when Malicorne starts to tremble, and pointing a finger in her direction, stutters.

"Y-you can't possibly wear that in a public place! I-It numbs the brain, in-incapacitates rational thinking a-and…"

"And I don't want to be rude, Mr. Grandpre, but I sincerely ask of you not to speak that way about Sachiko" Shiro says in an even tone, speaking for the first time since the other two arrived. The boys turn their eyes towards him, as if noticing his presence for the first time, which is ridiculous, since they caught them kissing just a few minutes ago.

"And who are you supposed to-" Malicorne says, frowning. Sachiko sputters, not wanting Shiro to get in trouble for 'disrespecting' a noble, and quickly grabs his arm, making an attempt to turn around.

"Well, would you look at the time? It was nice talking to you guys and everything, but we better leave…"

"No!" Guiche suddenly screams. He advances and grabs her shoulders, separating her from Shiro in the process, before shaking her roughly. "I would have never thought in using a military uniform this way! Sachiko, you're a bloody genius!" he keeps yelling. The girl immediately takes a step back, releasing herself from his grasp, and caresses one of her mistreated shoulders.

"Yeah, yeah, now if you excuse us, we have-"

"Sachiko, you're my friend" the blond interrupts her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders in a friendly manner. Sachiko glares at him. "You will understand this… 'Sailor uniform' is a deadly weapon. Having something like this in your power, I was wondering, since we're such good friends, well…" he's fidgeting, the excitement taking over his words. Sachiko grimaces.

"Don't tell me you want one" she pleads blankly. Guiche laughs loudly.

"Oh my dear Sachiko how you… yes I want one" he says in a serious tone, eyeing her sternly. She crosses her arms.

"Why? Are you planning to give it to Monmon? Didn't she dump you again because you were flirting with another girl just when she wanted to go to Tristania's festival with you yesterday?"

"It's Montmorency! And I wasn't flirting, just…! Ugh, whatever, what I'll do with the sailor uniform is not your business!" he says this while blushing.

"I suppose, because I'm not giving you one!" she exclaims, pushing him away. She dusts herself, walking back to Shiro, when Malicorne, Malicorne of all people, says the exact thing they need to convince her.

"I bet Louis doesn't know about this."

She freezes. Slowly, she turns around, and looks at them with narrowed eyes. Their smirks make her nauseous. They continue staring at each other for a while longer, Sachiko debating inside her what to do. Finally, she says, slowly, dangerously: "Give me the measurements and I'll give them to you this afternoon."

Malicorne smirks and Guiche pats her on the back. "I'll give them to you. See you later!" they laugh and only when they are no longer in sight Sachiko groans.

"You didn't have to give in to them you know" Shiro says once they're out of sight. Sachiko crosses her arms, pouting and looking very adorable with her puffed cheeks, in his opinion.

"I had to. I can't let them tell Louis, with how he is… he will surely get angry at me for doing this kind of thing…" she trembles just imagining being in the receiving end of one of his reprimands. He might not get physical but is still very unpleasant having him yell at her.

"…Does he hit you?" Shiro asks gravely. Sachiko blinks, turning to look at him and immediately raising her hands in a placating manner.

"What?! N-no, of course not! It's just… he can be a little overbearing at times and… he sometimes screams at me when I do something that displeases him…" she explains, looking down and playing with her fingers. Shiro frowns.

"He doesn't have a right to do that, master or not…"

"A-anyway, it's kind of late don't you think?" she turns her face skyward, judging the time by the position of the sun. "I need to go find Louis and you surely have work to do still, no?" she asks, obviously trying to change the subject. Shiro gives her a blank stare, but decides not to pursue the conversation… for now.

"Alright, guess I'll see you later then…"

"Yes, I'm just going to change and then we can talk again" she goes to hide behind the column once more, and while Shiro has the impulse to stay and wait for her, he decides against it, not wanting to make her uncomfortable and thus preventing them from talking about this again in the future. With a small farewell, he goes on his way, and Sachiko releases a sigh of relief, thanking the heavens he didn't insist.

It's not that she thinks Louis yelling at her is right, but she knows it's not as bad as it sounds, since she's the one living that situation. Explaining that to Shiro might require more time and a bit more of preparation on her part. The last thing she wants him to think is that she's somehow trapped in an abusive relationship of sorts, especially because that's not the case at all.

They're just… special in their way of interacting with each other… that's it, right?

The next day, something unbelievable happens.

Montmorency enters the classroom. Wearing the sailor uniform Sachiko had given Guiche a few days ago.

She chokes on her saliva while the rest of the class turns to look at the blonde with surprise. The reactions vary. The girls narrow their eyes and whisper to each other in anger and envy, while the boys blatantly stare and some even blush at the sight. It's not for less. Sachiko made the uniform with Guiche's measurements, and while Montmorency is more on the slender side compared to her, it hugs her figure tightly but comfortably, allowing the swell of her breasts to be more noticeable, showing the skin of her belly and the skirt being short enough it might give anybody (un)wanted glimpses if she turns too fast.

Sachiko has to give it to Monmon; even she isn't bold enough to wear that one without her shorts… or in public. But what made her want to use it? To her understanding, Montmorency isn't the kind of girl to do stuff recklessly like parading herself in such skimpy clothes, not to mention she's also kind of a prude; so why?!

"Sachiko" Louis says, and the mere sound of his voice, even if at the moment appears more neutral than anything, sends chills down her spine. "Isn't that one of the uniforms you bought the other day in Tristania?"

Unlike everybody else, Louis has a curious gaze. He's frowning, but it seems to be more calculating than anything. It makes sense, considering he's not attracted to Montmorency so he wouldn't be ogling her like the boys, and has no reason to feel envy of the attention she's gathering like the girls.

"Why is Montmorency using it, then?" he asks after she nods, looking at the table instead of him. She shrugs.

"Oh, you see, Guiche asked me to give him one just a few days ago" she responds nonchalantly. Louis raises an eyebrow.

"And you gave it to him just like that?"

"Well, yes… I mean, he's my friend, and I never thought he would actually use it for something like this" she gives a nervous chuckle that just makes Louis wary, she can see. "I thought he wanted to pretend being a marine or something."

He narrows his eyes, debating inside his mind if he believes her or not. Sachiko is starting to sweat cold by this point. He opens his mouth, and Sachiko prepares herself to either confess and diminish her punishment or make a lie to get away from it, depending on what he says or asks.

Luckily, the teacher enters the classroom right then, allowing her the next hour of class to think about what she's going to do.

When class is about to finish, Sachiko reaches the painful conclusion that she has to get rid of the evidence. She doesn't have to worry about Guiche and Malicorne ratting her out, she'd made sure (threatened) they wouldn't say a word to Louis before giving them the uniforms, although that hadn't help her at all considering Montmorency decided to come dressed in it. But worse to worse, it's the only option she has. When classes are over Sachiko doesn't waste a second to stand up and run towards the kitchen. She has left the uniform with Siesta just in case things got nasty, and she's glad she took that precaution.

She hears Louis calling her, but she pretends not to listen to him and runs in the direction of the kitchen. Siesta should be there, considering lunch is just an hour away.

As she enters, she sees movement and can hear the clink and rustle of pans and pots being moved, of vegetables being cut and meat sizzling. The smell is delicious, and Sachiko has to close her eyes and inhale momentarily because it's that good.

She immediately looks for Siesta.

"Hey Sachiko!" Marteau calls, seeing her wandering the kitchen with a worried expression. "Are you looking for Shiro? He's on the dining hall, setting the table."

"Hello Marteau… no, I'm not looking for Shiro. Actually, have you seen Siesta? I need to talk to her about something important…"

"Oh, little Siesta?" he leaves what he's doing momentarily and folds his arms, thinking. "I sent her to Tristania with a few other maids to buy some ingredients we were lacking. She should be coming back by sunset."

"It can't be…" she whispers forlornly. She needs to talk to her now, before Louis suspects more.

"Did you need to tell her something important?"

"Something like that…" she bites her lip, wondering what she can do, until an idea comes to mind. "You said Shiro is in the dining hall, right?"

"Yes, he is."

"Good, I'll just leave the message with him then" and giving a bow as thanks for his help, she sets off in the direction of the dining hall. She finds him quickly, being one of the tallest servants there, and having jet-black hair, something she realizes seems to be fairly uncommon in this world filled with blondes and the occasional redhead. "Shiro!"

"Sachiko?" he straightens after he has left a plate on one of the tables, looking at her with surprise. "Is something wrong? You look upset…"

"No, nothing's wrong, at least not yet, but I need you to tell Siesta something very important" she looks to both sides before getting in her tiptoes and whispering in his ear. "Do you remember the sailor uniform?"

"…" he holds back a remark about how yes he does remember the sailor uniform and instead remains serious, seeing that she's being serious too. "Yes, I do remember."

"Well, I left it with Siesta in case of an emergency. I want you to tell her to give it back to me, tonight, if possible."

"…Is there an emergency?" he can't help but ask.

"Ehm… kind of, maybe… the point is! There's an empty warehouse in Vestri Court, near the main tower. I'll be waiting there tonight for the uniform. If she can't bring it…" she gulps, not wanting to think of that scenario. "Then she can do it tomorrow night, just… tell her not to do it anywhere public…"

"Ok… I'll tell her that" Sachiko nods, beaming at him, and Shiro smiles in return. "But really, what's going on? For you to suddenly want the uniform back" he narrows his eyes. Sachiko panics. She knows what's probably going through his mind now, and her instinct tells her now is not the right moment for another sermon about her strange relationship with her master. So instead she says the first thing she can think of, which, unfortunately, it's nothing more than broken sentences and poorly disguised attempts at changing the subject.

"I have a surprise! Ehm, no… actually, I'm planning something really special with the uniform and…" she fidgets, looking at the ground.

"A surprise?"

"Mmm" she nods; "I want to… try something… eh, like what we did the other day but a bit more…"

Damn; she thinks as soon as the words are out of her mouth. She raises her head hoping Shiro didn't interpret it the same way as she did, but it's hopeless, since his eyes are wide and his mouth hangs open.

"Sachiko… you don't mean…"

Her face explodes in color. "No! I mean, ugh!" she shakes her head and takes a step back, too flustered to keep looking him in the eyes. "I-In any case, tell her to be there tonight! We'll talk about this later!" and with that she bolts, leaving a stunned Shiro behind.

After Sachiko's more than suspicious display in class, Louis had no other option –or so he told himself– than to go look for her in search of answers. He knows the explanation she gave him for giving a uniform to Guiche is not true. Sachiko can barely stand the guy at times, so there must be another reason she was made to give him one. And although he knows Guiche is a pervert, he doesn't think he's imaginative enough to come up with such a use for a military uniform. No, something fishy is going on, and he hates being made a fool of. So he's going to find out what Sachiko did and then demand why she lied to him.

He thinks of all the places she could be hiding after looking in his bedroom, despite being sure she wasn't there, just in case. Colbert's laboratory is his first option, seeing as she loves being there, but upon finding only Colbert doing some… thing he doesn't want to know he leaves, a bit traumatized and utterly confused.

The second place is the kitchen and staff room, but it's in vain. The servants literally adore her, so even if she's hiding in there he will never find out if she truly doesn't want him to talk to her. He thinks of going to the girls' dormitories for a second, but then remembers Kirche and Tabitha had been absent from the academy for almost a week, and he doesn't think Sachiko has any other female friend students to feel secure enough to hide there.

His last effort to find her, before having a rest and just waiting for her in his room, is in the wind tower, where classes are normally held. Despite its size, only a small part of the tower is actually used for classes, with a lot of spare rooms that are primarily used as storages, being the perfect place to hide in case one doesn't want to be found.

"What the…" he says while approaching the tower. He sees someone scurrying towards the back door. He immediately recognizes the collar and scarf of the military uniform, and frowns.

More than that he couldn't see the person's face, though he did see a mane of black hair. He wonders if it's Montmorency, but rapidly discards the idea. She has blond hair after all. Determined, he silently follows the person.

Going through the corridors, he hears a door opening and closing on the second floor. He cautiously approaches the place he knows to be a warehouse, and leans in slowly, trying to hear if the person is making any strange sound.

The answer is yes, and the sounds are so downright nauseating Louis starts to gag. A male's voice, calling something cute; and light moaning… He backs away, having enough and deciding to go back to his room already when he hears her name. Moaning, with a guy's voice.

He kicks the door open, making the person inside screech in terror.

"Ma-Malicorne?!" he shouts, starting to feel sick to the stomach. He's wearing the sailor shirt, a long black wig and… a skirt. Malicorne stutters and tries to escape, but stumbles with his own feet in his hurry. Louis takes advantage of this and without a second thought or care stomps on his back. Malicorne chokes while the boy continues kicking and screaming. "Just what do you think you're doing here, alone, wearing a skirt and moaning my familiar's name?!"

"Oh, ouch, it's just argh! She has a strong personality and r-really nice body, augh!" he tries to say, finding it hard to talk when Louis' kicks just keeps getting rougher. When Louis hears Malicorne saying that about Sachiko, he practically boils inside.

"So you came here, used the liar's mirror!" he points at the mirror on the rear of the room, famous for showing distorted images, such as beautiful things being ugly and vice versa. "And pretended you were Sachiko w-w-while y-you…!" he's trembling, his face as frightening as an ogre, at least from Malicorne's point of view, and takes out his wand. He's ready to test his new void powers in this disgusting man. Malicorne shrieks, not knowing about the void but being completely aware of Louis' tendency to make things explode, and fears for his life.

"B-but I have no one else! Guiche has Montmorency, a-and your familiar that servant boy, if I don't wear it then-!" he's desperate. He knows Sachiko will kill him for this after specifically ordering them to be quiet, but Louis will kill him too if he doesn't say anything, so he takes the risk.

"Servant boy?" Louis pronounces slowly. Malicorne gulps. It failed. He can feel the murderous intent emanating from the young man on top of him. He closes his eyes, waiting for the end.

An explosion resonates throughout the academy.

'You should give it back to her Shiro, I'm sure Sachiko would be delighted if you do…'

"That damned Siesta, just what is her head full of?" Shiro complains under his breath as he makes his way towards the warehouse Sachiko told him of. He's carrying the sailor uniform in a bag while trying to contain his irritation with the perverted maid. Surely she (purposely) misinterpreted him when he told her Sachiko needed the uniform back for a 'surprise' she was preparing.

Not that he's complaining; he was planning to tell her to give the uniform to him instead, wanting to talk to Sachiko about the real reason she wanted it back in the first place. Still, Shiro does not like being made fun of like that.

Whatever, I'm almost there.

Of course, after clearing his head and putting his thoughts back in order, Shiro understood Sachiko did not mean anything by the proposition she unwittingly spilled to him. It was probably just an excuse she came up with in the heat of the moment to divert his attention from the question of the uniform. Though, he has to admit that for a second there, it sounded really appealing…

"Get a hold of yourself…" he whispers just as he stops in front of the door of the warehouse. He doesn't need to be a genius to realize Sachiko is utterly inexperienced when it comes to intimacy. Just her kisses, sweet but clumsy and unsure, are enough to confirm to him that he's very likely the first man she has ever kissed, and if not, very close to it. He doesn't want her to feel as if she has to rush through things, and tonight seems as good as any other to make that clear.

He hesitates, wondering if he should just enter or knock, but seeing the secrecy involved in all of this, he just shrugs and opens the door, stepping inside. His eyes narrow at the lack of light, a single window illuminating the room, and looks around, searching for Sachiko. She's still not there, only barrels and a few crates scattered around.

He almost has a heart attack when a figure suddenly emerges from one of the barrels. Sachiko hops off it, all the time wearing a smile on her cute face.

"Shiro!" she exclaims, clearly surprised. "What are you doing here? Where is Siesta?" she asks, looking behind him as if the maid would be hiding there. Shiro doesn't answer, instead raising a hand to his chest, feeling his heart thundering.

"Sachiko, you almost scared me to death there!"

"Oh…" she bites her lips, glancing down. "I-I'm sorry… but I didn't want anybody else knowing I was here and asking me questions…"

"Don't worry, just… give a little warning next time, ok?" he exhales, feeling the organ going back to normal and smiling at her. "Siesta had something to do tonight, so she asked me to bring the uniform to you instead" he raises the bag as if to reaffirm this. Sachiko nods.

"I see. Well, in that case…" she tries to grab the bag, but Shiro quickly moves it back, away from her. "Shiro… aren't you going to give me the uniform?"

"I will, but first I have a few questions."

"…" she remains silent for a few seconds, her brows scrunched and her lips in a cute, pensive pout. Then, she opens her mouth. "Whatever you're thinking, it's not true" she says. Shiro raises an eyebrow.

"Oh, what am I thinking?"

"I told you already… Louis might be a bit rough around the edges but he's a nice guy… he's just…" she bites her lip, holding her left arm with her right hand and looking away; "a little annoying at times."

"So because he's annoying, you want to get rid of this uniform before he has the opportunity to complain?" he guesses, starting to understand. Sachiko nods.

"Montmorency came today to class wearing the uniform I gave Guiche. Louis is way too intelligent not to realize what's going on, and he also has a stick way up his…" she shakes her head, sighing. "I know he won't be happy that his familiar has such a… unbecoming behavior, but more than confiscating it and chewing me up a little, there shouldn't be any more problems."

"He sounds like a whimsical child if you ask me" Shiro states with a roll of the eyes. Sachiko blinks, surprised at his tone. "Familiar or not, taking so many precautions just because he wouldn't like this seems very ridiculous to me. He should learn to be an adult and not get angry for such small things. And you" Sachiko takes a step back when his eyes land on her, they're not harsh, but it still makes her back away out of surprise; "don't be so scared of a small reprimand. If you know something you do will have consequences, then don't do it or at the very least be ready to face them."

Sachiko lowers her eyes, crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks. What's suddenly going on with Shiro? She doesn't need him to be scolding her like a child. He's her boyfriend, not her dad. It reminds her of the time he told her not to bathe on the courtyard at night. She feels just as… stupid.

"Sachiko…"

"Uhhh, I heard you already" she pouts, turning her face away. "You don't need to scold me either, I get it. I won't do it again."

"I don't want you to feel like I'm telling you off or anything…"

"No, I get it" she stays in the same position for another few seconds before sighing and dropping her arms to the sides. "I really do, and I'm sorry for acting like this. I understand what you're saying but… it's easier said than done, you know? And Louis is…" she shudders; "well, I don't think I need to tell you more, do I?"

"No, I can still remember that day before we went treasure hunting perfectly well" he says flippantly… though his eyebrows are twitching slightly. "Real charming, isn't he?"

"…"

"What?"

"Nothing" she takes the bag from his hands now that he's distracted and opens it, preferring not to tread over that mine. "In any case, I wonder what I will do with this…"

"If you want my opinion, you should have just left it with Siesta. I doubt that master of yours would go inspecting the servants' private quarters" he says as he leans against the wall, crossing his arms. Sachiko immediately looks at him as if he's crazy.

"I can't do that! The night I was making the uniforms I made up an excuse so he would let me stay with Siesta, so that's the first place he's going to look if he finds out! And knowing Siesta, she'll be more than happy to sell me out to him just to see me squirm!"

"…Ok…" it's not out of the realm of possibility, knowing Siesta's character, but looking even in the servants' quarters is a little… "If you don't want to get rid of it… I could keep it for you" he offers, seeing her anxiousness. Sachiko halts, thinking about it seriously. Shiro uses this chance to kneel next to her, looking at the uniform in her hands a bit more thoroughly. "Though I got to ask, why is it so important? Do you really want to use it with me so badly?" the last question is asked cheekily. Sachiko blushes and glares at him; but all it does is amuse him.

"It's not like that!" then, as if remembering her words from this afternoon, her blush increases. "S-Shiro, what I said during lunch, it wasn't…"

"Don't worry, I know you weren't trying to come onto me or anything" he assures her, still smiling. "I must admit though, I was a little surprised, but after thinking about it, I understood you were just making excuses not to tell me what you actually wanted to do. Or was it all part of the plan? Did you wanted me to come here pretending to be innocent?"

"Uhhh" Sachiko drops the uniform and covers her face with her hands, wanting to disappear. Why is Shiro teasing her so much? Is it because we're a couple now? Is this what boyfriends normally do with their girlfriends? The concept makes a small prickle develop in her chest. It's nice, mostly, but there's also a bit of uneasiness buried there that she can't pinpoint where it comes from; like she's about to dive into the unknown.

"Relax Sachiko, I'm just teasing you" Shiro tries to ease her, but it just gets him another groan from her. He can't help but laugh. "But seriously, I… I think maybe it might be a good idea to have a small talk about… that."

"About… what?" Sachiko asks slowly, lifting her head from the protective cocoon of her hands. Shiro shrugs, attempting to look nonchalant.

"I think with recent events… especially where that uniform is concerned" he points to the uniform in the floor with his chin; "it's become clear we're approaching that territory, maybe not so slowly. And since… well, you're quite inexperienced…"

"Wait a minute, I… you're talking about…?" Sachiko can't believe what she's hearing. Her face is bright red and steam starts to come out of her ears. It's not like she doesn't think about… that from time to time. She does. Actually, she thinks about it quite often. Well, maybe more than quite often. Especially since they started going out and considering Shiro is such a fine specimen of the male species how could she not? And of course he's talking about the attempts at seduction with the sailor uniform but that was most of all for fun though she did wanted to get lost in the moment once the temperature had risen, and come to think of it, what does he mean inexperienced? I mean she is but is it that obvious? And does he have any experience? He certainly behaves like it, if she goes by his kisses and the way he so expertly holds her waist and brings her closer to him… Ugh she's starting to overheat again just thinking about it! But if he wants to talk does that mean he thinks about doing it with her too? Does he want her? Does he think she's attractive? He must, but even so to have this conversation so suddenly and with the light off and oh my they're alone in a confined space what will she do is he tries to-?!

"SACHIKO!" said girl jumps at least two meters in the air at the surprise of being called so suddenly. She turns to Shiro, who is looking at her with a concerned expression, and her face becomes red all over again just by the intensity of his eyes. "Sorry about that, but you were mumbling so much and… I didn't want to make you uncomfortable or anything, I just thought it would be a good idea to discuss a few things about intimacy, just as reference for the future. You know… that's what couples usually do…" he explains, his own cheeks gaining a bit of color as he looks away.

Something in his new chaste response stirs a small flutter from Sachiko, as well as another more primal feeling she's going to push away for the moment. She swallows her nerves, joins her hands in front of her chest and chases his eyes, leaning slightly towards him, trying to be the bold one for once. "I'm sorry Shiro, I know I… I overreacted and…" then her eyes grow wide. "Wait a minute, I was mumbling? How much did you hear?!"

Surprisingly enough, or maybe not so much, Shiro chuckles, turning to look at her again. This time, it's Sachiko who feels like being chaste. "I find you attractive Sachiko. Please don't ever doubt that. I don't want to sound condescending but it's not difficult to tell you don't have much experience in the intimacy department. Yes, I can tell because I already have experience. Not a lot, mind you, but enough to know what I'm doing and if my partner is new at this or not. I'm not going to touch you now though, and I will never unless you want to and feel prepared for it. That's why we talk about it, to know where we stand in this. And that's exactly the point I wanted this conversation to head to. Sachiko, don't feel pressured just because everything is new for you or because you think it's what I want. We can take things slow… go at our own rhythm. And if you ever feel uncomfortable or want to stop… all you need to do is say it. I will always listen to you."

Sachiko blinks, a bit lost after everything he has said. For a moment she doesn't know what to say. Then she simply looks away, biting her lip and trying to come up with an appropriate answer. "…Ok…" she whispers, locking her eyes on her hands at her lap, because she doesn't think she can hold his eyes after hearing all of that. She's sure her face is the color of a ripe tomato by now, but she feels reassured, not having realized she needed to hear all that. Still, there's something she needs to make sure of. "But… won't you feel frustrated by my inexperience? I mean, I might bore you since you already know what to do…"

"Whoa there Sachiko, it's true I'm a fine, amazing specimen of the male species, but I'm not quite at the level of an experienced stud yet" he laughs as Sachiko screams in mortification, before getting serious again. "Even if I have experience, that doesn't mean I know everything. I can teach you, and we can learn together too. So stop worrying so much. You'll get wrinkles before time" he jokes, poking her on the forehead. Sachiko winces, but returns the gesture with a smile. They remain in that comfortable silence for a little longer, before she speaks again.

"Thanks Shiro" he nods, smiling back at her. Then, Sachiko licks her lips, tilting her head and leaning closer. "Say, we can take our time, right?" she asks in a small voice, trying to look enticing. Because the conversation they just had has left her with a feeling of fullness in her chest, and she doesn't quite know what to do to convey how she feels right now to him other than; "can we kiss? I mean… like today with the sailor uniform… you know…"

"Just kiss?" Shiro asks, leaning closer, although he already knows the answer. Sachiko nods again, and he gives her a charming smile on response. "Of course, you don't even have to ask."

By the time they are well into the kiss, Shiro's hands on her lower back and the back of her neck, and Sachiko's running through his hair, the sailor uniform has been completely forgotten. This is an activity Sachiko can say likes very much. Kissing is pleasant, magical, and with Shiro is especially sensual. She likes it that he takes it slow for her sake, so she can properly run her tongue along the side of his or feel as he playfully traps her lower lip with his teeth.

Unfortunately, all nice things must finish, and the end to their small make-up session came abruptly in the form of a door being slammed with enough force to break it from its hinges, and an aura so dark it could swallow the sun.

Louis stands there, chillingly calm, not even trembling, with his wand held tightly in his right hand and his eyes burning.

Sachiko cowers instantly.

Shiro recoils, surprised at the intensity that emanates from the young nobleman. He's been in a war, battling for his life, fighting even mages with powers far superior to him when he was nothing but a brat that had just left the nest, but this is in a completely different level. Suddenly, he can understand all of Sachiko's fears. But this seems to far exceed a simple reprimand.

He looks at Sachiko, and a connection flows between them before they stand up, dusting themselves and looking at each other with a nod.

"Right" Sachiko says.

"Left" Shiro responds in kind.

And they run.

Of course, with her luck, Sachiko soon finds herself the object of pursuit of the demon that wants to kill her in the most inhuman ways. That he chose her over Shiro only furthers her fear.

"Wait!" he screams. Sachiko trembles. Like I'm going to do that! If I wait, I'll die! She's desperately trying to lose him, making wild turns and using small, hidden hallways, but it seems impossible. She keeps running until she makes her way over a private Court in between the fire and earth towers, where she finally sees light. Candlelight. She sighs in relief, hoping he won't do anything too extreme if there are witnesses.

Montmorency and Guiche are sitting at a small table. By the looks of it, it's a romantic dinner, their dishes empty while they enjoy a glass of wine and hold hands, Guiche whispering sweet nothings in Montmorency's ears. When they hear a noise approaching them, they look up, and almost don't have time to dodge Sachiko who jumps over the table, landing safely on the other side. She cowers behind Montmorency, watching in horror as Louis finally catches up with her.

"What is the meaning of this?" Monmon yells, affronted. They don't listen to her.

"Come here, now" Louis says in a low growl. Sachiko shakes her head.

"No way, I'm too young to die!" she cries out. Guiche stands up.

"Now, now Louis, I don't know what happened between you two and I don't really care but, could you please go somewhere else? We're having a private di-" his words get stuck in his throat when Louis sends him a venomous glare that literally makes him cry in fear. He sits down again, already praying for the eternal rest of that poor girl's soul.

Louis returns his eyes to Sachiko, "you're coming to me, or I'll go to you" he speaks in a colder, collected tone that chills everyone present to the bone. Sachiko's breathing hitches up, and shakily steps aside.

"C-co-come on, L-Louis, c-ca-can't w-we even discuss th-this c-calmly? Look! Th-there's even wine!" she says feigning cheerfulness, before grabbing Guiche's glass and drinking it all in one go. Montmorency's eyes grow wide in horror, and she rapidly stands up and gets away from her line of vision. Sachiko puts the glass back on the table, unconsciously making eye contact with Guiche. "S-see? No-not bad…" she drawls, her eyes fixing on him. Guiche raises an eyebrow, wondering why she's staring so intently at him, while Montmorency drags a hand down her face and Louis looks at them, his anger devitalizing at the strange scene taking place before him.

"Um, do I have something on my face?" Guiche asks nervously. Sachiko blinks, before blushing and quickly shaking her head.

"N-no! Your face is perfect, like the rest of you…" she says, her countenance softening and embracing him all of a sudden. The two males freeze at this, but Montmorency knows exactly what's happening.

"W-w-w-wha-what is th-the meaning of this?!" Louis shouts, going over to them and roughly yanking Sachiko away. She cries, stubbornly clinging to a still perplexed Guiche. Montmorency bites her lip, before positioning a calming hand on Louis' shoulder. He turns to look at her, almost desperate, and she leans in to whisper something in his ear. He blinks, shocked. After a moment, he releases Sachiko, who happily keeps clinging to Guiche, and faces Montmorency with the sternest look somebody has ever given her. "You. Are. An. Idiot."

She cringes at his words. "I-I didn't try to do anything wrong! It was an experiment, ok?" she tries to defend herself, but Louis' glare doesn't falter.

"Am, guys…" Guiche says, but they ignore him.

"You think I care about that?! It's illegal and you know it! When the Queen finds out…!"

"Please, guys…"

"You wouldn't!" Montmorency exclaims, her eyes wide.

"If you could just listen to me…" Guiche uselessly tries again.

"Luckily for you I'm a pretty generous person. If you make the antidote then the Queen will never know" Louis bargains, crossing his arms. Montmorency's eye twitches.

"Y-you're trying to blackmail me!" she accuses.

"Not trying, I'm doing it."

"Can you just listen to me!" Guiche yells suddenly, growing sick of being ignored. The other two turn to him, and at the same time shout.

"NOT NOW!"

He cringes, before sighing. They keep discussing whatever subject they are so intent about, and all the while, Sachiko is still hugging him, her head resting on his chest, her eyes closed in what appears to be bliss and a peaceful smile on her face. He tries standing up; but she just clings harder to him. He pouts.

"Sachiko, could you please…?" he starts saying, but she shakes her head.

"I can't believe I never noticed how handsome you are. How did you call it once? A rose?" she says, looking up with a blushed face. Guiche blinks, confused, but it doesn't take long for him to puff his chest in pride. He is a pretty vain guy, after all.

"Exactly, a rose, for the enjoyment of everyone" he declaims dramatically. Then, he opens his eyes and looks at her with surprise. "Don't tell me you've fallen for me!" he exclaims in a bewildered tone. Sachiko looks down and bashfully nods. He chuckles. "I see, well, I cannot blame you, it was inevitable, after all. But you have to understand" he holds her shoulders, a sad expression on his countenance "love between people from different status always ends up in tragedy. Although your love for me makes me happy, it will never work. You know I already have Montmorency too."

"I-I know!" she exclaims with little tears in her eyes, also playing the drama. "But Guiche, even if my love for your will never blossom, let me take solace in your presence! As long as I stay with you… that should be enough for me…" she whispers longingly. Guiche smiles, and tenderly caresses her hair.

"I don't want to force you…"

"If it's you, it will never be forced…" she smiles, leaning into his contact. Just then, two people hit them on the head, rendering them unconscious. Louis and Montmorency had finished discussing what they were going to do long ago, and had heard most of their stupid conversation. Needless to say, they're both pretty irritated.

"This is all your fault" Louis deadpans. Montmorency spares him a glare.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, it's not like you helped with that mad chase from earlier, either. Ugh…" she shakes her head, feeling a migraine coming. "Anyway, we'll think about this better tomorrow. See you later" she says, levitating Guiche and walking away towards the boy's room. Louis hosts Sachiko up and follows her, angering her since she doesn't want him to walk with her anywhere. "What are you doing?! Don't come with me!" she yells. Louis rolls his eyes.

"Going to my room" he walks past her, not bothering in giving her a second glance. Montmorency halts, feeling embarrassment at such an obvious answer, before continuing sulkily. She leaves the table for the servants to clean up tomorrow.

A/N: Hello everyone. Ehm, four months right? Haha... please don't hit me. I swear I don't take so long because I want to. At least I'm back no? Aaaaand well... there are a few things I want to clear up now that the chapter is finished:

I tried to make Shiro's dislike for Louis as similar as the original Siesta's dislike for Louise in the beginning. The maid was always quite snarky whenever Louise was involved back then, wasn't she? On the other hand, I included that entire conversation about Shiro being worried Louis is harming Sachiko somehow because I think any normal boyfriend (or girlfriend) would be if their SO was in a similar situation, of course, taking away the "for the laughs" trope usually into place that prevented anyone from being the slightest bit worried about Saito. I almost didn't include the conversation about intimacy, because I thought it was annoying dedicating so many words to it, but then, in the original Siesta was just going to give up her virginity to Saito only with a misunderstanding backing her up, and since in here Shiro and Sachiko ARE in a relationship I thought it would be wiser if Shiro wanted to discuss things a little before getting to the action.

Louis knows Sachiko and Shiro are going out, he doesn't like it, but it's not like he can really do anything about it. Of course, that doesn't stop him from being jealous in an almost pathological level, so when he interrupted them while they were kissing in the warehouse? Yup, jealousy at its peak. Beacuse he'll be damned if they do it while on his watch. The excuse he's giving himself is that he can't allow a familiar of la Vallière to do something so shameful before marriage.

And we see a little more of Sachiko's past. I'm saying it now, I'm avoiding the "ill girl" trope so that's not what made Sachiko move out with her grandma. There's another reason, but everything in due time.

I included Siesta because Sachiko needs at least one female friend within the staff.

And Sachiko was affected by the love potion. I got a few reviews and PMs asking me if she was going to, and not to do it because the potion was going to interfere with the runes or something like that...? Ehm, guys, the runes don't work that way in canon. Literally the only place I've read they brainwash Saito into a mindless zombie is here, in fanfiction. While it's true they do have an effect on Saito, it's not as extreme as some fanfics paint it out to be. In any case, my runes work slightly differently than in the novels, so I know Sachiko won't be affected negatively, in case you're worrying about that.

And that's it. Thank you so much to everyone who left reviews the last chapter! They were all so beautiful, and I'm sorry I didn't find the time to answer them, I'm really, honestly sorry T.T I promise to try and get better. Until the next chapter!