(This fiction is based on the characters and settings created by Oyuki Konno)

Yumi was humming as she walked home from school. Today was the first day of classes, and she had thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with her young charges. She was sure there would be bumps down the road, but as far as today was concerned, the brown-haired teacher was over the moon. She couldn't wait to tell Sachiko about it.

Yumi opened the door to their apartment, and was greeted by the wonderful smell of food cooking. "I'm home," she said as she removed her shoes. The young woman's mouth dropped at the sight of the woman in front of her.

"Welcome home, ojou-sama," Sachiko said sweetly as Yumi entered the living area. The older girl was dressed in a maid's uniform. It was a little too small for the taller woman, but the brown-haired girl in the doorway didn't mind, since the short skirt showed more of Sachiko's creamy, white thighs over the tops of the stockings, and the tighter bodice enhanced the appearance of Sachiko's well endowed chest. The black-haired beauty took Yumi by the hand and led her over to the table saying, "Make yourself comfortable, ojou-sama, dinner will be ready soon." Yumi sat down at the low table and ogled her partner's swaying hips as Sachiko walked to the kitchen.

Sachiko returned with the tray of food, and Yumi couldn't resist peeking up the short skirt to look at her love's lacy, white underwear. 'I'm a dirty old man,' she thought as she watched the black-haired goddess kneel down and place the tray on the table.

Sachiko took the plates off the tray and placed them in front of her mistress. She smiled, mildly surprised at the intensity of Yumi's reaction to her cosplay. The younger girl's eyes were filled with desire and seemed to have a hard time turning away. "Ojou-sama, come on and eat before your food gets cold." Sachiko said

Yumi met Sachiko's eyes and replied, mischievously. "I was just thinking I might want to start with dessert"

Sachiko looked down, as her face reddened due to her lover's forwardness. "Please ojou-sama," Sachiko begged. "I worked hard on this meal for you. So please eat."

Yumi reluctantly turned to the food in front of her. "Itadakimasu," she said before picking up the chopsticks, and selecting a piece of chicken from the plate. Yumi's eyes widened after she placed the piece into her mouth and chewed. "This is delicious, Sachiko. You certainly have improved your skills in the kitchen," the brown-haired girl exclaimed.

"I can not take all the credit. I had a cram session with your mother last week, and I learned how to make all your favorites," The black-haired goddess stated.

"Yumi looked at Sachiko, eyes filled with wonderment at the lengths her lover would go through to please her. It wouldn't have been easy to learn to cook like this in one month, let alone one week. "You are amazing, love," she said and smiled lovingly. She turned back to her plate, selected another piece of chicken, and brought it over to Sachiko's lips. The older girl blushed, as she took the chicken into her mouth. Yumi alternated feeding herself and Sachiko, until there was no more food left on the plate.

Yumi sighed contentedly, "I could get used to coming home to this."

"If that's what ojou-sama wants," Sachiko said obediently, leaning forward and accentuating the charms hidden behind her bodice.

"God, you're one sexy woman," Yumi said before capturing Sachiko's lips with her own.

"My, My, My, ojou-sama, what do your require from me now?" Sachiko teased after breaking the kiss.

"I want some 'service'," the brown-haired girl replied smiling.

Sachiko blushed, but did as she was told. She got up and ran through many racy poses for her mistress, watching the desire heat up in Yumi's eyes, with each sexy pose. After some time, the younger girl couldn't hold herself back any longer and dragged Sachiko to their bedroom.

Later that evening as they lay cuddled in bed, Yumi told Sachiko all about her first day teaching. The older girl hanging on every word her younger partner said, while enjoying the excitement showing across Yumi's face.

XXX

The next afternoon, before she left for home, Yumi stopped by the administration office in order to drop off a couple items. As she passed the row of mail cubbys on her way out, she spied a letter sticking out of her cubby. The envelope was addressed to her and had no return address. Her curiosity peaked, Yumi opened the letter. Her heart stopped when she saw it was from Sachiko's grandfather. She quickly sat down on a nearby bench, before her shaking legs gave way. Taking a deep breath, she read the contents of the letter.

Yumi-chan,

I know I am probably the last person you want to hear from, but I feel I need to apologize for the things I did to you. After being raped myself recently, I realize the pain and suffering I have put you through, not only physically, but mentally as well. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I do want you to know that I deeply regret my actions.

I also want to congratulate you, on your recent nuptials. I am very happy that you two have finally been able to start a life together. My fondest wish is that you both find happiness together.

There was a PS underneath the signature which read: "PS. Please thank Sachiko for showing me the error of my ways."

Yumi stayed sitting for a moment, allowing her nerves to settle before heading for home. On the way, she analyzed what she read. The letter seemed straight forward enough, until the cryptic postscript. 'What did he mean by that?' Yumi pondered on her walk home.

Yumi was greeted by another wonderful, 'Sachiko cooked' meal, but without the cosplay. The black-haired girl still looked beautiful, even if she was dressed in a blouse and jeans. "How was school today?" she asked once they finished their meal.

"It was great," Yumi answered happily. "The kids are so amazing. They are so inquisitive and curious. They keep me on my toes. Oh, I also received a letter today." The brown-haired girl added , standing up to retrieve it from her satchel. Yumi handed it to Sachiko when she returned to the table. "I really don't know what to make of it. Any ideas?"

Sachiko turned white as a ghost while she read the letter quietly to herself. "He must have some ulterior motive," she replied, once she was done.

"But he sounds so sincere. Isn't it coincidental that he was raped so soon after what he did to me?" Yumi commented innocently.

Sachiko looked down at the table. She felt ashamed over what she did, and couldn't meet Yumi's eyes. "There's something I need to tell you ..." she said, and proceeded to tell Yumi the truth about the situation. How she set up her grandfather in order to get the leverage she used to free them and protect everyone else.

Yumi moved back, distancing herself from the older girl, shocked. "How could you be so cruel, by doing that to anyone? To violate a person in that manner, making them feel as helpless as a rag doll, a toy. It's unconscionable. I am not sure I know who you are anymore," the younger woman raged. "If you could do that, then what would you do to me if I stood against you?"

"I did what I felt I had to do, in order to protect you, to free us. He deserved it, after what he did to mother, to you." Sachiko raged back giving into hysterics.

"Why wasn't I included in the plan?" Yumi asked loudly. "If you wanted revenge, you could have castrated, beaten or even killed him. I could have accepted any of those outcomes, but rape? You just don't understand what it's like, how it feels."

"You're right. I don't know anything about it." Sachiko countered, "All I knew was that the woman I love was hurting, confused, and in pain. I had to do something that would return the suffering he caused. It was the only thing I could think of, love." Sachiko approached Yumi, arms outstretched, only to be help back by the younger girl's hands.

"Don't touch me." Yumi told the older girl.

Yumi's statement cut Sachiko like a knife, and the older girl, who was already on the verge of tears, toppled over the edge. "What do you want me to say, Yumi?" Sachiko wailed, tears starting to fall down her cheeks. "That I'm sorry? That I'm wrong?" The older girl paused, then continued, "OK then, I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to keep you out of the plan, but you were so fragile. I didn't want to put you through any more pain. However, I am not sorry what what we did to that sick bastard, and I am not sorry for trying to protect us. I am not going to be at fault for taking care of those I love. And I love you most of all."

"I love you too, Sachiko. I'm just not sure I can be a party to causing someone the pain and horror I experienced." Yumi said as she went to the door and started putting on her shoes.

"Where are you going?" Sachiko asked when Yumi opened the door.

"Just out for a walk. I really need to think things out," the younger girl replied, closing the door behind her.

The air outside was cool as Yumi started walking. She was shocked, when she initially found out the lengths Sachiko went to in order for them to have a life together. Yumi agreed that the man was a sick pervert, but did he deserve to be raped? She imagined trading places with the older girl, 'What would I do if the bastard raped Sachiko?' Yumi pondered, 'I'd kill him,' was the thought that came immediately to mind. 'Could I just be over sensitive about rape? But now he is going to be tortured with those memories for life.' Yumi thought guiltily, since she felt responsible for Sachiko's actions on her behalf. 'To top it all off, I didn't even have a say in the matter. What else would she keep from me, if it is in my best interest. How do I know she wouldn't keep me in the dark again. Can I still trust her?'

Yumi returned an hour later. Her walk generated more questions than answers, all revolving around one thing. Would the younger girl be able to trust Sachiko going forward. Yumi's gut told her "Yes", but her mind brought up every insecurity she had ever had during the time her and Sachiko had known each other and tied them all together into one huge, tangled knot.

"I'm home," Yumi called out to the silent apartment. Yumi looked around and saw a note left on the counter in the kitchen.

Dearest Yumi,

I am going to stay at the mansion for a couple of days. I want to give you the time you need to think things through on your own. Please believe me, when I tell you. My love for you drives my every action. Call me when you are ready, I'll be waiting.

Love always,

Sachiko

"I love you too, Sachiko." Yumi said to the empty apartment. She put the note back on the counter. Sighing heavily, she turned and headed into the bedroom. She threw herself on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

XXX

Sachiko went straight to her old room, once she entered the doors of the mansion. She put her purse on the dressing table and flopped down on her bed. She was furious with Yumi for questioning her judgment. 'I did what I had to do to protect us, and allow us to realize our dream of being together.' A knock on the door interrupted her train of thought. "Come in," the black-haired princess called out.

Aya-chan entered the room and addressed it's lone occupant, "Good evening, ojou-sama. I just heard of your visit. Is there anything you require?"

"Ah, Aya-chan, I will only be staying for a few days. There's no need to interrupt your new duties as supervisor, in order to attend me. One of the house maids will suffice." Sachiko stated.

'It's no bother. I left standing orders with the staff, that whenever you or Yumi-sama are here, I will attend to all your needs," the maid replied eagerly.

"Thank you for your consideration, but your other duties as supervisor ..." Sachiko started, only to be cut off by Aya-chan's response.

"... will be taken care of as well. Please allow me to do this for you." Aya-chan pleaded.

"If you insist," Sachiko acquiesced, smiling at the girl in front of her. "I really do appreciate it, Aya-chan."

"Thank you ojou-sama. You won't regret it. I also want to thank you for my recent promotion. My family could really use the extra money I can send home now." Aya-chan said, bowing low.

Sachiko blushed and said, "I had nothing to do with it. You earned it all by yourself with your diligence and hard work."

"Thank you anyway," the maid said with a knowing smile. "Will Yumi-sama be staying as well?"

"Unfortunately No. She's staying back in the apartment," Sachiko said sadly.

The maid frowned in concern, "What happened? Did you have a fight?"

"My grandfather happened," Sachiko stated and started telling Aya-chan about the letter and the ensuing argument. "She said she needed time to think, and I figured my presence would make matters worse. I decided to stay here in the meantime. Aya-chan, please give me your honest opinion. Did I do the right thing? God knows he deserved it, but I really wanted him to hurt. I don't know why Yumi is being so compassionate toward that piece of filth. My gut tells me that he is planning something, but what if he is truly apologetic like Yumi says?"

"Maybe Yumi-sama is being compassionate because she remembers her own experience. She is a very caring person, after all," Aya-chan noted. "I'm sure she'll come around and realize that you did what you thought best for the both of you. In the end, the two of you are together. Isn't that all that matters? Why don't I go get you something to help you relax? Some tea maybe?"

Sachiko nodded to the maid, who then left for the kitchen. She repeated Aya-chan's words to herself, 'In the end, isn't it all that matters.' Sachiko felt there was something familiar about those eight words. Something deep down nagged at her. 'In the end..' The black-haired girl worked at it , trying to find the trigger. In the end... Means to and end.' When she internally voiced those last words, the answer she had been seeking hit her like a freight train. 'The old bastard was right, I am like him. I'll do anything to get my way. How could I have been so stupid,' Sachiko thought, mentally berating herself. She finally saw what Yumi instinctively deduced. 'How can she trust me now, when she sees grandfather in me?'

A/N: This should be wrapped up in the next chapter or two. As always, I appreciate each and every one of you readers. Thank you.