As Sachiko stepped out of the car, she held out her hand to Yumi and guided her out with a smile. They'd finally arrived at the restaurant. She glanced down at her watch and frowned. They were almost half an hour late. She'd never been this late for anything before.
Although, as she recalled the reason for their tardiness, Sachiko couldn't help but feel her cheeks warming and automatically glanced over at her girlfriend. Yumi was looking up at her searchingly and when she met her gaze, the younger girl gave her such a warm, genuine smile that it took all of Sachiko's willpower not to pull her in for a long kiss.
She settled for gently squeezing Yumi's hand instead before wrapping her arm around the girl's shoulders. She smiled when she felt Yumi's arm reach for her waist.
"You ready to go Yumi?"
"No, not really," Yumi pouted, only half joking. "We're so late..." she trailed off and rested her head against Sachiko's shoulder.
Sachiko smiled and began walking towards the entrance of the restaurant. Yumi was so adorable. She suddenly felt a warm rush of affection run over her and couldn't resist leaning down and placing a tender kiss against the top of Yumi's head.
"It'll be okay Yumi," she spoke in a reassuring tone as she pulled back and halted their steps. "They are our friends after all. Besides, I'm here..."
Sachiko felt a soft kiss against her cheek and closed her eyes. She would never tire of Yumi's lips against her skin.
"Thank you," Yumi whispered, placing another kiss against her cheek.
Sachiko slowly opened her eyes and took a couple of unsteady breaths. What was Yumi doing? Did the girl not realise that even the slightest contact was currently enough to destabilise her?
"Yumi..."
Sachiko gently squeezed Yumi's shoulder and lifted her free hand to Yumi's cheek.
"Oh Yumi," she repeated her name huskily. "I..." Sachiko trailed off as her mind lost focus.
What was she going to say? How could she say anything when Yumi's lips were right there, asking to be kissed...when her skin felt so soft under her touch...?
Ignoring all reason and momentarily forgetting that they were in a public place, Sachiko leant down with the intention of capturing Yumi's lips.
"Hehehe, can't keep your hands off each other for even a second huh? I'm surprised you made it to the restaurant at all. Although, I'm a little disappointed Sachiko. You couldn't have kept Yumi-chan busy for ten more minutes eh?"
Sachiko pulled back and looked up with a startled expression as she came face to face with a grinning Sei.
"Sei-sama...?" Sachiko spoke with surprise. What was that girl doing out here? Where had she jumped out from? And was that Yoshino and Rei by her side?
"Sei-sama?" Yumi questioned after a moment. "Yoshino-chan? Rei-sama?"
"Hehehe," Yoshino smirked and gently punched Sei in the arm. "Looks like I win. Hand it over Sei-sama. That'll be 200 Yen please."
"Yoshino-chan!" Rei rolled her eyes in disapproval.
"We're just having some fun Onee-sama," Yoshino chuckled. "A few hundred Yen isn't going to break the bank."
Sachiko shared a puzzled look with her girlfriend, noting the blush in the girl's cheeks. Poor Yumi, she never handled embarrassment well. Feeling the need to reassure her, Sachiko tightened her hold on Yumi protectively and moved her free hand to the girl's abdomen.
"What's going on?" Sachiko questioned the three girls. "Why aren't you waiting inside the restaurant?"
Sei laughed as she handed over the 200 Yen to Yoshino and the younger girl joined her.
"We figured you'd be late," Yoshino explained while pocketing her newly acquired money, taking a moment to flash her Onee-sama a cheeky grin. "When I informed Sei-sama over the phone that Yumi was staying with you this weakened--"
"I thought I'd make things interesting," Sei interjected with a wink in Yumi's direction.
Sachiko pulled Yumi closer and frowned at Sei instinctively. The way her senpai looked at Yumi never failed to get a rise out of her. Yumi was hers and hers alone. Sei's teasing was definitely in poor taste.
"What are you talking about Sei-sama?" Sachiko questioned, not bothering to hide the irritation in her tone.
Sachiko's frown deepened as Sei laughed and she met her gaze with a smirk.
"You're actually a few minutes early," Sei ventured flippantly. "I really had more faith in you Sachiko," she teased. "If it was me, I think I'd still have Yumi pinned down naked on the bed--"
Sachiko felt her cheeks grow red, both anger and embarrassment fuelling her expression.
"Sei-sama! That's enough! Would you be so kind as to take your mind out of the gutter for one minute and explain the situation clearly?"
"That could be asking a bit much," Yoshino teased good naturedly.
"You've got a point there Yoshino-chan," Sei chuckled. "With Yumi around I just can't help myself..."
"I'll explain," Rei rolled her eyes, but was unable to hide the smirk on her lips. "This was done without my knowledge by the way. Our dinner reservations are actually for 8.30 instead of 8.00. A wager was placed on your inevitable lateness. Yoshino-chan had you down for under 30 minutes while Sei-sama had you at over 30 minutes. I'm afraid you've been deceived so that my insolent cousin could accurately settle her bet with Sei-sama."
"You tricked us!?" Sachiko could feel her anger building. How dare they do this? "For a wager!?"
"That's right," Rei confirmed calmly, nonplussed by Sachiko's reaction. She was used to seeing her friend in hysterics. "We've been hiding in Sei's car for the past half an hour waiting for you to arrive. Not the most pleasant experience, I might add," she gave her cousin and Sei a disapproving glance.
Sachiko could feel her anger increasing by the second. She hated being tricked. Their friends had made a fool out of them. They'd caused both herself and Yumi unnecessary embarrassment.
"This is unacceptable!" Sachiko raised her voice as she glared at Sei. "You--"
Sachiko paused when she felt Yumi's hand cover her own where it lay against her abdomen.
"It's okay Sachiko," Yumi looked up at her as she spoke softly, applying a bit of pressure to her hand in emphasis. "We've been had," Yumi glanced at her friends and smiled. "I concede," she chuckled before looking back up at Sachiko.
Sachiko looked down at Yumi questioningly. She was a little surprised by her calm reaction. She could clearly see how embarrassed Yumi was, so why wasn't she more upset with their friends?
"We shouldn't get upset," Yumi further surprised her by reaching up and whispering the words into her ear. "Why don't we just get them back sometime instead. Revenge when they least expect it."
Sachiko felt her breath catch as her eyes widened. Yumi had a point. A very good point. The idea of getting back at their friends thrilled her to no end. How was it that Yumi knew exactly the right words to say to calm her down? She suddenly felt as if she was being 'handled' by her girlfriend. But surprisingly, the notion didn't bother her. How could it when it simply meant that Yumi knew her all too well?
"Yumi's right," Sachiko blanked out her expression and calmly faced her friends as she spoke. "You're behaviour was inexcusable, but I guess I shouldn't have expected any better." She gave Sei a smug pointed look.
"You're not angry?" Yoshino looked at her with puzzlement and then glanced at Yumi. "What did you say to Sachiko-sama?"
Sachiko chuckled at the surprise she could see in not only Yoshino's expression, but Sei's and Rei's as well. She glanced over at Yumi and shared a knowing look with her girlfriend.
"Nothing to concern yourself with Yoshino," Sachiko answered in Yumi's place, the smirk in her lips highly evident. "There's really no point getting upset with a snake for biting you, is there? Not when it is in their nature."
"I think Sachiko's having a go at us Yoshino-chan," Sei chuckled.
"And why would I do that?" Sachiko feigned an innocent expression.
Sei chuckled again and grinned as her gaze turned to Yumi. "This is your doing isn't it Yumi-chan?"
"What do you mean?" Yumi questioned with a suppressed giggle.
"You've got that girlfriend of yours wrapped around your little finger, don't you? Admit it."
Yumi looked up at Sachiko and blushed.
Sachiko looked down at Yumi and met her gaze warmly. Sei was right. Yumi had her completely worked out. But that was part of what she loved about her. Sachiko lifted her hand up to Yumi's chin and couldn't resist placing a quick kiss against her lips. She was past caring about being in public.
"That she does," Sachiko admitted huskily as she pulled away, a slight blush in her cheeks.
"Awwww," Yoshino craned her neck as her expression turned dreamy.
Sei merely chuckled and flashed a grin at the couple. "We might have to hose you down if you keep at it," she teased.
"Throwing balls of paper works just as well," Yoshino interjected with a chuckle.
"Balls of paper?" Sei turned her attention to Yoshino with sudden interest, her eyes gleaming.
Yoshino laughed again and was joined by her Onee-sama.
"Okay, spill. What happened?" Sei demanded.
"Nothing happened," Yumi interjected with a blush.
"Nothing?" Sei quirked an eyebrow deviously before glancing back at Yoshino. She grasped the girl's arm and pulled her close so she could comfortably wrap an arm around her shoulder.
"Yoshino-chan, my dear friend, please explain," she insisted with a grin.
"These two really can't keep their hands off one another," Yoshino explained as she extracted herself from Sei's grip.
"Oh really?" Sei chuckled and flashed a grin at Yumi.
Sachiko frowned and placed her hand back on Yumi's abdomen. She could tell her girlfriend was feeling more than a little uncomfortable with the conversation and she wanted nothing more than to protect her from it. However, she knew it was pointless to intercede. Sei would not let up until she'd heard the whole story.
"They were lip-locked this morning at the rose mansion," Yoshino ventured. "Touko-chan, that's Yumi's petite soeur and Noriko-chan, Shimako's soeur, walked in on them."
"And they didn't notice?" Sei's grinned.
"Nope," Yoshino shook her head and chuckled. "The underclassmen are a bit devious this year. They decided to make tea without informing their seniors of their presence."
"Hahahahahaha," Sei threw her head back as she laughed. "Seriously?"
"Yup," Yoshino giggled. "We walked in and the tea was ready, but Yumi-san and Sachiko-sama were still none the wiser. Rei-chan called out to them and still nothing. In fact, we were close to hosing them down, but I figured paper balls would work just as well."
"Hahahahahaha, oh my god, that's just too funny for words, hahahaha," Sei flashed a teasing grin at the couple in question as tears began to form in her eyes from laughing so hard. "This is priceless. You really threw balls of paper at them? Hahahahahahaha."
"We did," Rei answered as she too began to laugh.
"Oh man," Sei wiped at the tears in her eyes as she continued to chuckle. "Hehehe, I can't believe I missed it. I would give anything to have been there. Not that I blame you Sachiko," she glanced at her with a gleaming expression. "If Yumi was mine, I don't think I could've kept my hands off her either."
"Well, Yumi's not yours, but you still seem to have that problem, don't you?" Sachiko pointed out archly. "Do I have to remind you?" Sachiko continued with a teasing glint.
She then surprised both Yumi and their friends by leaning down and possessively placing her lips against Yumi's neck. She even surprised herself a little. Why did she suddenly feel so territorial?
As she pulled away, her eyes locked onto Sei's and she looked at her smugly. Sei would never have the right to kiss Yumi like this.
Sei met her gaze with a slightly shocked expression. She grinned a moment later as her composure returned and chuckled.
"I give," she held up her hands in mock defeat. "But if you ever feel like mixing it up," Sei moved her gaze back to Yumi and winked. "Feel free to come a-knocking. My bedroom door's always open, you know."
"You think you can provide her with something I can't?" Sachiko found herself asking. She was a little surprised by her own words, but decided to run with them nevertheless. "Yumi doesn't need anyone else. She's got me..."
Sachiko shifted her hold on Yumi so that both her hands were now wrapped around her abdomen and she was able to place her chin against her shoulder. She couldn't resist pressing a kiss against Yumi's cheek as the girl leaned back into her embrace.
"Isn't that right Yumi?" Sachiko questioned huskily as she pulled away.
Yumi met her gaze with a blush and a shy smile.
"Yes," she replied softly, her blush deepening. "You're all I need Sachiko."
Sachiko had to force herself to look away from her girlfriend. She was playing a dangerous game here. Her usually stoic self control was becoming unhinged by the second.
"There you have it Sei-sama," Sachiko manipulated her expression into a smug grin as she met her gaze. "You heard it from Yumi herself. Your services will not be required."
"Hahahaha," Rei laughed and looked over at Sei. "Officially shut down...hehehe. You're fighting a losing battle Sei-sama. You might as well give up."
"Onee-sama's right," Yoshino chuckled. "You've been dumped Sei-sama."
Sei folded her arms and sighed, affecting a look of devastation. "I'm crushed. How could you do this to me Yumi-chan? After all we've been through. Did I mean nothing to you? Was I just your play-thing?"
Yumi chuckled and rolled her eyes. "I think you've got that around the wrong way Sei-sama. Wasn't I yourplay-thing?"
"Perhaps," Sei chuckled good naturedly. "But you enjoyed every second of it didn't you?"
"Only in your dreams," Yumi replied with a teasing glint.
"Another arrow in my already broken heart," Sei crushed a fist against her breast dramatically. "I'm done for. Whatever shall I do now?"
"Why don't you find yourself someone else to play with?" Yumi suggested with a chuckle.
Sachiko couldn't help but laugh as well. She enjoyed this light-hearted side of Yumi.
"Yumi's right. I'm sure you'll have no trouble hitting on the next pretty girl you see."
"Is that a challenge?" Sei grinned.
Sachiko chuckled. "It wasn't meant to be. You can treat it however you like."
"Oh I can, can I? Huh...?" Sei narrowed her gaze as her eyes locked onto a spot behind Sachiko. "What will you give me if I take you up on that?" Sei glanced back at Sachiko with a devious expression.
"What?"
Sachiko furrowed her brow thoughtfully. Was Sei really serious? She wouldn't hit on a complete stranger, would she? Although, with Sei, nothing like that should surprise her. She couldn't help but wonder how far that girl would take the joke though.
"Okay... If you hit on the next girl you see, I'll pay for your share of dinner, how's that?"
"Sounds good to me," Sei's grin widened. "In fact, I'll go you one better. I'll kiss the next girl I see instead."
Sachiko's eyes widened as Sei began to walk forward, heading right past her. She hadn't been serious. She didn't actually mean for Sei to take her up on a wager. Sei wouldn't really plant a kiss on some poor defenceless stranger...would she?
Sachiko turned around so she could follow Sei's actions, manoeuvring Yumi along with her.
"Sei-sama, stop! I was only kid..."
Sachiko's words of protest died on her lips as she witnessed Sei dramatically grab a hold of some girl and bend her backwards in order to give her an affected stage kiss.
Sachiko couldn't quite make out the identity of the girl being subjected to Sei's advances, but there was definitely something familiar about her. All she could see was the girl's neck-length dark hair. It reminded her of someone. Someone very close to her. No! It couldn't be...
"Onee-sama?!" Sachiko gasped as Sei pulled away and she saw her older sister lift a stunned hand to her lips.
Sachiko knew her Onee-sama well and could tell that Sei's kiss had not only caught her by surprise, but that she appeared to have been somehow affected by it. She continued to watch as Youko slowly opened her eyes, taking note of the deep blush marring her otherwise flawless complexion and wondering why she appeared to be slightly out of breath.
She moved her gaze over to Sei and was a little surprised to note that she too was blushing. She'd never seen Sei blush before. What was going on? Why did Sei look so flushed? She would've expected the girl to be grinning flirtatiously at this point and spouting some deviant remark.
It was Youko who regained her composure first and Sachiko winced when she heard the loud crack of her Onee-sama's hand on Sei's cheek as she slapped her hard.
Sei instantly lifted a hand to her face. She didn't say anything though. She merely looked at Youko with a slightly apologetic expression.
Sachiko looked back at her Onee-sama and noted the instant regret in her features. She obviously hadn't enjoyed hurting her friend. Sachiko continued to watch silently as Youko's expression softened.
"I know you missed me Sei," Youko ventured lightly, her expression turning playful. "But really, if you're going to kiss me like that, I demand that you at least treat me to dinner first. A lady's got standards, you know."
Sei lowered her hand and flashed Youko a grin as her composure returned. "Dinner eh? I think I can handle that..."
Sachiko rolled her eyes as Sei looked at her with a smirk.
"Sachiko's got mine covered so I have no objection to buying yours if you like," Sei continued, moving her gaze back to Youko.
Sachiko felt a burst of outrage run through her as she realised she'd just been had. Sei had tricked her. She'd seen Youko over her shoulder earlier and had purposefully insisted on the wager.
"Oh no I don't!" Sachiko glared at Sei in protest. "You've got some nerve thinking I'll pay for dinner. You tricked me! You saw my Onee-sama walking behind us didn't you? That's why you suggested a wager. Isn't it?"
Sei grinned and then chuckled. "I have no idea what you're talking about Sachiko. A bet's a bet. And I clearly lived up to my end of the bargain."
Sachiko released her hold on Yumi and balled up her fists. She had a sudden urge to do some physical damage to Sei. The girl was really getting on her nerves. How dare she trick her again? And how dare she treat her big sister that way? What on earth was Sei doing? And why did her antics always have to involve one of hersisters? If it wasn't her petite soeur, it was her Onee-sama. Why was she so interested in the red rose family?
"You--"
Sachiko took a step towards Sei but halted when she felt Yumi's hands reach around her waist from behind.
"Please Sachiko," Yumi whispered into her ear softly, allowing her lips to brush against her earlobe as she spoke. "Let it go..."
Sachiko closed her eyes at the contact and shivered, her attack on Sei instantly forgotten as Yumi pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. She moved her hands to cover Yumi's and leaned back into her girlfriend's embrace.
"It's not worth it," Yumi returned her lips to Sachiko's ear. "It's what she wants. Don't give her the satisfaction. You'll get her back later. I know you will."
Sachiko turned around in Yumi's embrace and placed a hand around her waist. She reached up with her free hand and cupped Yumi's ear so she could whisper without being overheard.
"You're not playing fair Yumi," Sachiko flicked her tongue out as she spoke, enjoying the way her girlfriend shivered at the contact. "You know full well what you're doing to me, don't you?"
Yumi pulled back and met her gaze with a teasing glint. She then reached up and cupped a hand around her earlobe. "Do I?" she whispered in a hushed tone. "Is it working?" With that, Yumi surprised her by sensuously running her tongue along the inside of her ear.
Sachiko gasped and moved her head back.
Yumi met her gaze with a smirk and then chuckled.
Sachiko couldn't help but laugh softly in response. She wasn't used to being teased by Yumi. Her girlfriend was full of surprises. As her laughter died down, Sachiko realised she no longer cared that Sei had duped her. None of it mattered anymore.
With a smile on her lips, Sachiko turned Yumi around in her arms and rested her hands around her waist.
"Okay Sei-sama," she met the elder girl's gaze with a genuine smile and dropped her chin to Yumi's shoulder. "I concede defeat, this time. Dinner's on me. But I think you owe my Onee-sama an apology. And of course, dinner."
Sachiko couldn't help but chuckle as Sei gaped at her wordlessly. She could tell the girl had expected a little more resistance. She turned her gaze to Youko and noted that she too seemed a little shocked. Her Onee-sama was looking at her searchingly, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was seeing.
"Awww, Yumi-chaaan," Sei pouted. "You've spoiled my fun. I was hoping for some fireworks."
Sachiko met Yumi's gaze and joined her in a soft chuckle.
"I don't know what you mean Sei-sama," Yumi replied with a smirk as she turned her attention away from Sachiko. "Why would you think I have any control over my Onee-sama's actions?"
"Would you rather I start scolding you?" Sachiko questioned with another chuckle. "I can easily arrange that if you wish."
"Hahahahahaha," Sei threw her head back in laughter, joined by both Yoshino and Rei. "You guys are too much. Hahahahaha. You're killing me here. Hahahahaha."
"They're priceless, aren't they?" Yoshino chuckled.
"Nice work Yumi," Rei acknowledged with a chuckle of her own.
Sachiko looked down at Yumi as she began to laugh and soon found herself giggling alongside her.
As she continued to chuckle, Sachiko began to feel her Onee-sama's gaze boring into her. She glanced up to find Youko staring at her in wonderment.
"Who are you?" Youko questioned as Sachiko met her gaze. "And what have you done with my little sister?"
Sachiko smiled at her Onee-sama and unsuccessfully attempted to stifle a giggle. "Good evening Onee-sama," she greeted warmly. "You're looking well."
"As are you Sachiko," Youko replied with a smile of her own. "You look happy."
Sachiko's smile widened and she couldn't resist tightening her hold on Yumi as she risked a brief glance at her girlfriend.
"I am," she replied with a slightly dazed expression and looked back at Youko. "I'm very happy."
"Which brings me back to my earlier question," Youko responded with a teasing glint. "Who are you and what have you done with my little sister?"
Sachiko chuckled. "I'm not sure I know what you mean Onee-sama...?"
"I don't know what's going on here," Youko ventured in explanation. "But from what I've ascertained, Sei has just tricked you into losing some kind of wager. Is that correct? The Sachiko I know would right now be tearing large strips into Sei and not sharing a moment of humorous laughter. Would you care to explain...?"
Sachiko chuckled again. "There's nothing to explain Onee-sama. It's not that I'm okay with being deceived," she flashed a pointed look at Sei before turning her attention back to Youko. "But I don't see the point in getting upset. Hysterics won't solve anything."
"I'm now even more convinced that you're not Sachiko," Youko joked in an attempt to cover her obvious surprise.
"You better get used to it," Sei interjected with a smirk. "She's not the same little sister you know and love. Our little Sachiko's all grown up," she teased. "And I think we have Yumi-chan to thank for that."
"I can see..." Youko glanced over at Sei and then frowned. "By the way, don't you owe me an apology? You did accost me in order to win a bet did you not?"
"Accost you?" Sei replied with a feigned look of shock. "I merely greeted my dearest friend in a warm fashion. You're the one who accosted me," she lifted her hand to her cheek in emphasis.
"You call groping and malling me like a dirty old man a warm fashion?" Youko arched her eyebrows in protest. "I was practically violated!"
"Violated!? Who are you calling a dirty old man?" Sei folded her arms defiantly. "I'll have you know that there are plenty of ladies who'd love to have my lips against theirs. Violated...hmph"
Youko rolled her eyes dramatically. "In what reality are you living in Sei?"
"Are you telling me that you didn't enjoy it?" Sei grinned devilishly.
Youko lifted her hand threateningly and looked up at Sei with a glint in her eye. "Would you like me to slap your other cheek as well?"
"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Sei chuckled and lifted her hands up in truce. "But I will buy you dinner in way of retribution," she relented. "How's that?"
"If that's all the apology I'm getting, I have no choice then, do I?" Youko replied with a soft chuckle. "I'll accept. But I'm feeling rather peckish this evening," she teased. "So I hope you brought plenty of money."
Sei's response was interrupted by Eriko's arrival.
"Good evening," Eriko greeted with a smile. "I see I'm in the right place."
"Onee-sama!" Rei grinned and rushed over towards Eriko, pulling her into a brief hug. "Congratulations," she said as she let her go.
"Way to go Eriko-sama," Yoshino saluted with a grin.
"Congratulations," Yumi was quick to speak up and flashed Eriko a warm smile. "I'm so happy for you."
"Likewise," Sachiko interjected. "Congratulations on your engagement Eriko-sama. May your life with Yamanobe-sensei be a long and happy one."
"Thank you," Eriko acknowledged with a nod and a smile.
"The poor sap," Sei teased. "I hope he knows what he's getting into," she chuckled. "Congratulations though. I knew you'd rope him in eventually."
Eriko frowned but couldn't hide the smile in her eyes. "I suppose I should thank you," she conceded.
"Don't mind her," Youko interjected and placed her arms around Eriko in a brief hug. "I'm sure she means well. I really am pleased for you Eriko. Congratulations."
"Thank you Youko," Eriko smiled as she pulled away. "So," she continued with a quick glance at everyone present. "Are we ready to go in?"
"I think so," Yoshino replied. "We're all here."
"What about Shimako?" Yumi questioned. "Shouldn't we wait for her?"
"She couldn't make it," Yoshino explained. "She and Noriko had already made plans to visit some churches and temples out of town. She was on her way to the bus-stop to meet Noriko-chan when I called her. She sends her regards though," Yoshino turned her attention to Eriko. "She's very happy for you."
"Tell her thanks from me when you see her next," Eriko instructed.
"Sure thing," Yoshino agreed.
"Then let's go have some fun," Sei interjected with a grin.
With that, the girls headed up the stairs and into the restaurant, eager to get the celebrations underway.