Yepperye Chapter Two
The next day started as usual, Nagisa sleeping late while Shizuma started the day with a good strong hot coffee. The same argument in the morning as always.
"Why, oh why, do I have to awaken to a bright room?" Nagisa complained as she made her way into the kitchen.
"Because you look so much cuter in the bright mornings sun my dear. Where I can see you", Shizuma replied. "So when is Tamao due to arrive?"
"Some time after nine. She said she would telephone first but you know Tamao", Nagisa sighed, "I wish she would find a lover or at least another obsession other then me. Shizuma what are you planning with this trip? I know you invited Miyuki to keep her mind off Gregory, but why Tamao?"
Shizuma merely smiled at her lover, "You'll see, all in good time."
"What is Miyuki doing now, Shiz?" Nagisa asked.
"Still asleep the last time I checked on her. You should see her sleeping. She's so funny." Shizuma smiled.
"Don't you dare sneak in and look at me when I'm sleeping Nagisa", Miyuki threatened as she entered the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Me? I had no intention of any such thing! Shizuma is the guilty one there!"
"Why you cheeky little thing!" Shizuma made a grab for Nagisa but the red-haired girl nimbly scooted away, "Aoi Nagisa! Get back here right now! You're not too big to put over my knee you know!"
"Oh, excuse me for interrupting this blissful scene of domestic discipline," Miyuki yawned and went out to find the bathroom.
The hot water felt good running down Miyuki's back. She let it course over her, muscles loosening in the heat. The day was just starting and already she was worried. Why did I say that to Shizuma now of all times? Different thoughts ran through Miyuki's head How would Shizuma respond to that admission? she thought as she got out of the shower and reached for a towel.
Shizuma and Nagisa were enjoying their coffee when the phone rang. Shizuma looked across the breakfast table at Nagisa and shrugged.
"You know that's Tamao. Just get up and answer it," her voice was soft, as always but it was impossible to refuse her suggestions, as always.
"Do we have to do this early in the morning? I'll make you a deal, yes? I'll do something for you tonight, your one wish if you answer it," Nagisa smiled a little innocent sweet angel of heaven smile.
Shizuma knew this game and was willing to play along for now. She gave Nagisa a single slow gentle nod. Nagisa got up and simply left the kitchen as Shizuma made her way to the phone. Nagisa as usual in the morning was not paying much attention to the world around her. Loosening her dressing gown she walked into the bathroom to take a shower. Her still sleepy mind went down the same old routine… except there was a black haired raven of a woman standing completely naked before her. Nagisa's eyes popped wide open. Miyuki gasped and grabbed the towel clutching to her front. Nagisa turned a deep red and immediately spun on her heel to get out of there. Miyuki let out a startled scream and turned her back to the red-haired girl.
"Ah, oh, I'm sorry... so sorry… excuse me."
Nagisa reached for the door handle but turned to make sure her words of apology had been heard. If only Miyuki had stayed facing her, the towel would have covered her but she chose to turn around, towel pressed to her front. Nagisa looked and saw Miyuki's bare back, water droplets ran down it. Down between her shoulders. Down to her small waist. Down lower, lower.
Nagisa looked away, her face turning an even brighter red.
Water droplets, running lower. Where Miyuki curved.
"Sorry!"
"It's alright," the black haired woman soothed, turning her head to look, "my fault. I didn't lock the door."
But Nagisa went out, red-faced with shame. Not understanding the strange feeling at what had just happened, the strange sensation she'd just felt. Miyuki stood watching the small hand draw the door closed. She continued to wipe her wet hair.
Miyuki went to the door and turned the lock. That's odd. I did lock it…?
---ooo---
Shizuma answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Shizuma! How are you this beautiful morning?" came the reply, the voice of Tamao chipper and always happy.
Shizuma listened to Tamao's voice. Six years older but she's not changed. Still as innocent and clueless as ever. What it must be like to live in such a simple happy word as Tamao's. "Well I am doing good but I could be better. How long before you get here?"
"I should be there in about twenty minutes."
"That's nice. Did you bring all your winter gear?"
"Yes, I have all that. Shizuma?"
"Hm?"
"Why are we going skiing? You hate the cold."
"Sure I do, but Nagisa chose the holiday apartment, so you don't want to worry about me." Shizuma let out a little laugh, as she knew Tamao would just flame up like a bonfire.
A worried huffing sound came through the phone connection. Shizuma knew what Tamao was imagining in her own little mind.
"I'll see you in twenty minutes then, my dear."
"Yes, Etolie." Tamao laughed as she hung up her cell phone. Tamao put her phone away and wondered what was going on. Shizuma knew she still carried a torch for Nagisa. So what was all this about?
---ooo---
A scream alerted Shizuma to three things. They had a guest; Nagisa never functioned too well early in the morning; the bathroom lock was broken. Even though she'd noticed the lock was broken last week and should have called the repairman the fact that they were going away had caused her to shrug it off and leave that job until they came back. Shizuma smiled a little mischievous smile and thanked fate. She proceeded up to her and Nagisa's bedroom. Shizuma climbing the last few steps to see Nagisa peek her head out from behind their bedroom door and look the other way towards the bathroom. Shizuma always moved very quietly, it was just her way of moving along the corridors of the Strawberry Dorms; she'd often be out late at night going places and needed to do so unheard. Nagisa did not see or hear her approach from behind. The second squeal within three minutes filled the condo as Shizuma's hands made contact with a certain part of Nagisa through her bathrobe. Nagisa spun around only to find Shizuma standing there very close. Extremely close and wearing that gentle and rather wicked smile she often did.
Miyuki opened the bathroom door to see a familiar scene. She had seen this many times before. Nagisa transfixed and pinned in place by Shizuma to the point where the younger woman could not move. She watched the pair in front of her, a little way down the hallway by the bedroom door. Miyuki tightened the belt of the bathrobe Shizuma had lent her and adjusted the turban-like towel around her damp hair. Look at the love in the eyes of both of them. They still embrace as if they'd only met yesterday.
"You two do have a room you know." Miyuki spoke sarcastically as she went past them to the guest room to dress, "You can do that in privacy. I don't need to see all that stuff thank you very much."
Nagisa made as though to give their guest a retort only to find Shizuma's lips pressing her mouth closed. The taller girl broke the brief kiss.
"Shush. Let her be. And you, my pretty thing – get dressed, you've less than fifteen minutes until Tamao The Torch Carrier arrives."
---ooo---
"So, Nagisa I hope you enjoyed the view?"
"Uh… sorry… I think the bathroom lock might be broken…"
Miyuki sat at the breakfast table crunching a slice of toast and honey.
"Oh, how very unfortunate," the black-haired girl spoke to her glass of orange juice. Nagisa didn't miss her tone of voice.
"No really it is. Shizuma just forgot to tell me."
"Oh, is that so? I see… Well I hope something good came out of that little mess."
"Yes… As a matter of fact you have very nice ivory skin. And so slim…" Nagisa giggled, as she broke free from Shizuma to head to the shower with blushing red face. It was only when she got there she realized she'd already washed and dressed. Damn, Nagisa thought to herself.
Shizuma laughed at her girlfriend's expense and joined Miyuki at the table. She would never ever tire of seeing Nagisa flustered and confused in that cute way she had, not even if she grew old and grey would she tire of it.
"Have you seen Tamao lately?"
"No. Gregory was a little too much of a control freak. He never liked me having friends. I think he thought we were still in feudal Japan. Women should enter arranged marriages, not be heard, seen or even have any happiness."
"Miyuki why didn't you ever tell me about this? He didn't… He didn't hit you or anything did he?"
"No he never raised a hand to me. But he was an expert with the mind games; all his control was through the marriage arrangements. He held me hostage against the honor of my mother and father. If I ever disobeyed him he said he'd tell his parents and of course that would get back to mine. He was a very disturbing man. And the worst thing was I would have never thought that about him before we married. That all came out about 6 months afterwards. No wonder arranged marriages have almost stopped now." Miyuki's face tinged with a most unbecoming grimace, "To tell you the truth, Shizuma I should have done this long ago. I had a hint beforehand that it might turn out this way. We had several meetings in both my home and his and even then I felt a certain coldness. But his family inheritance would have saved my father from his own… hmm… financial difficulties so I had no choice."
Shizuma looked at her long time friend with love and concern. The coffee was hot and fresh and both ladies sat relaxed with a nice hot cup in hand. Shizuma turned the conversation away to happier things and they talked about the good old days at Astrea for ten minutes when Nagisa joined them. Nagisa even made Shizuma do a double take with the dress she wore. It was long with a full skirt and a tight bodice and despite its warm pattern of autumnal colours of russets, oranges and browns it reminded Shizuma of the Saint Miator uniform. Nagisa always keen to please Shizuma gave her a little twirl and gently landed in the older woman's lap. The redhead tilted her head back and nipped Shizuma's ear.
"And how is your morning now my love?" Nagisa whispered in her ear.
"Well the coffee is lovely. The sun is out. The toast is fresh and still warm – have some my dear… And Miyuki has recovered from her stalker attack. Other than that…"
"Humf! Nagisa flounced up, annoyed that her little display had drawn no apparent reaction from the woman she loved. She plumped down in a chair and poured juice.
The minutes ticked by with small talk. Then the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Shizuma rose, "You might get dragged straight out and we'd never see you again", she smiled wickedly down at Nagisa who merely pouted.
There were voices at the door and the sound of heavy suitcases being dragged inside. The muted conversation went on and then footsteps came down the hallway.
"Tamaooo!" Nagisa stood up and ran to the door and hugged her friend. Tamao gave her a quick hug but then held her at arms length, unsure about how to do this. Shizuma was here. Hugging was a bit much, even though she wanted nothing more than to give her old friend a warm greeting.
Nagisa pulled back too and suddenly realized what she'd done. But then she smiled warmly and welcomed Tamao to sit down. Her old friend had completely changed her hair back to what it had been like at The Hill seven years ago. Nagisa was stunned to see her friend's hair that way after so long with it in different styles.
"Good journey?" Shizuma asked
"Hm, fine thanks. Hi Miyuki!"
The black haired woman nodded in greeting from over her coffee mug.
"Tamao," she acknowledged coolly.
Oh, Tamao thought, what's up with her? And then, "Shizuma why are we all going to the Alps for this vacation?"
"Tamao you just graduated from college so I thought this would be a nice little trip as a graduation gift from us and Miyuki has not be able to join us in a long time. Our flight leaves tomorrow at 1:00 pm from Tokyo Narita so we'll have plenty of time to tomorrow morning to get ready. The flight lands at Berne airport at 7:30 pm. I hired us a 4x4 to get us to the cabin and we should be there by late tomorrow night."
"Well," Tamao still seemed a little uneasy, "thank you so much, but I still don't know what I've done to deserve this."
"We can't have a fun party with three can we? Poor old Miyuki would be soooo left out."
"So you want me to cheer her up? After her break up?"
"If you like. Or Nagisa, while I look after Miyuki… we're all friends aren't we?"
Tamao frowned, she glanced at Nagisa but her friend merely smiled and bounced about the room helping to tidy up, avoiding her gaze.
Shizuma cleared away the breakfast things and loaded up the dishwasher then stopped by the sink, deep in thought.
"Hm, we need to find somewhere for you to sleep tonight, Tamao. You can have the sofa in the lounge but it's not very comfortable. Miyuki, would you object to sharing? I know it's only a double bed in the guest room but Tamao doesn't take up much space."
"She doesn't snore either," Nagisa added, then two cute spots of pink coloured her face when she realized what she'd said.
"I don't mind."
Miyuki surprised everyone by her easygoing attitude, particularly Tamao whose last memories of her was as a tough taskmaster during their Etoile preparations six years ago. Being shouted at again and again by a half crazed Miyuki while she and Nagisa had tried to get their dance steps right had been terrible. It had left mental scars for weeks.
"As long as," Miyuki added, giving Nagisa a careful look, "you're not like this one here and burst in on me naked in the shower in the morning."
"What?" Tamao said, turning to Nagisa, "you did what?"
"The bathroom door lock must be faulty!" Nagisa stammered, blushing even more.
"Well, that hardly matters does it?" Shizuma gave Miyuki a soft careful look, seeing as you'll be sleeping together, sharing a bathroom hardly seems a big problem.
Shizuma turned away and tidied the kitchen side, wiping down the surface with a fresh damp cloth. With her back to the others no one saw the slight smile on her face or heard the gentle tune she was quietly humming.