A/N: I am SO sorry for the delay :( It has been two weeks and one day since I last updated (Yes, I kept track because I was working on this chapter for so long...and that I remembered that there are people who are waiting for the next chapter) This past two weeks had been very time-consuming for me. To all those who reviewed the last chapter THANK YOU so much for doing so. I hope this extra-lengthy chapter will make for the delay?
To answer Honulicious' question on how Yumi was able to afford everything... you will know the answer in the next installment!
Sorry for the errors that you might encounter in this chapter because I still don't have a beta reader T.T Enjoy reading and please review if you have the time! :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Marimite or any of its characters. All belongs to Oyuki Konno.
Chapter 16: Enchanted To Meet You
Yumi managed to push down the green down button beside the elevator door. She was feeling more or less light-headed from two things. One was from the alcohol she downed earlier at the bar. The second reason was because from her passionate yet dangerous dance she had with Sachiko.
They were so close... a few centimeters apart from kissing each other senselessly when a certain blonde rudely interrupted them. Yumi didn't know whether to thank Sei or hate her with all her being (even though she can never truly despise Sei). Sure Sei saved them from getting into more complicated situations, but at the same time, the mocha-eyed girl was that close to tasting those red, luscious, irresistible lips owned by none other than Ogasawara Sachiko.
Speaking of the blunette, Yumi turned her head beside her and shivered slightly at what her eyes saw. Sachiko was gazing at her face; specifically speaking her lips. Her azure eyes were a shade darker than before, probably because they were filled with desire, longing...
And lust.
Wait, did Sachiko just lick her bottom lip twice?
'Oh no.' Sachiko was slowly moving closer now; like a predator who's going to pin down its prey. Naturally, Yumi stepped backwards. Sachiko stepped forward, and she stepped backward. Forward Sachiko went, and backward she went. She was desperately fighting the urge to grab the older girl's head and crash her lips into hers, and the alcohol and what Sachiko's doing at the moment didn't help her at all.
Her back finally met the wall next to the elevator, and breathing suddenly became hard and complicated. Yumi's eyes stared back at Sachiko's predatory ones, and her heart pounded so intensely that she thought it may burst at any minute. Sachiko was still advancing towards her with that sexy, alluring smile glued to her beautiful face.
Sachiko raised her right hand and placed it against the wall besides Yumi's head, while her left hand found its way to Yumi's waist. Yumi's breath hitched at the sudden contact. Sachiko leaned forward; making their forehead rest against each other's as Sachiko's nose brushed against hers. Yumi could see the sly grin the older girl was sporting as she inched impossibly closer. Yumi can feel Sachiko's breath ghost over her lips. Her eyes snapped close on instinct while her body froze up. The pig-tailed girl's breathing became heavy, and anticipation for what was about to happen started to build up rapidly. Yumi inhaled deeply; smelling aromatic lavender in the process.
Not only was Sachiko captivatingly alluring, but Sachiko's scent was enough to make Yumi fall hard on her knees. If Sachiko smells that good, then no other words could explain how good the taste would be. And Yumi knew that she was going to find out pretty soon. Though her mind said, "No! You can't do this Yumi. This is wrong!" her body was immobile; not obeying her brain, as if it had a mind of its own. She was standing there like an idiot.
Like an idiot hopelessly in love with a girl who was going to get married the next day after tomorrow.
'We can't do this! She's engaged for heaven's sake! Please stop...I won't be able to hold back if she kisses me...Maria-sama, please help me!'
Any second now, and their lips would touch...
-DING-
The two jumped at the elevator's chime, and Yumi sighed in relief; thanking the Virgin Mary for answering her plea. The elevator door glided open at 12.44am, allowing the two guests to go in before it closed. The more sober of two, who was Yumi, ushered the blunette towards the far corner; positioning her to lean against it with her back. She released her hold on Sachiko's waist, but let her hands hover, making sure Sachiko doesn't stumble over. The taller girl gave her a nod, signaling that was okay to stand alone. Yumi saw a flicker of irritation in the taller girl's eyes.
Sachiko must have been irritated because of the second interruption of their almost kiss. Irritation and lust was god-forbid a bad combination, and it still was. The result?
More aggressive lust.
Yumi backed away slowly before half-turning towards the control panel. Before facing the button of numbers and commands, she looked at the other occupant, who was at the moment unabashedly leering at her from head to toe while licking her lower lip. She can see the look of pure desire escaping from those heavy, lidded sapphire eyes. The gaze was intense, so much that Yumi had to look away; turning her attention to the task of selecting their floor number. Her pointer on her right hand hovered just above the correct number.
'Oh my god. Sachiko looks so beautiful. What's the dang floor number again? Don't turn your head...you won't be able to make it back to the suite with her staring at you like that.'
Yumi avoided the lustful stare that Sachiko was throwing her way. If she gave in and saw that look again, she could end up kissing the blunette ludicrously right then and there; security cameras be damned.
'What? No, no, NO! This is certainly not happening. I can't be thinking these things. You're tipsy, she has a fiancé, so just stop thinking about her. We, we can't do this. We just...can't. Just push the freaking button Yumi!'
She closed her eyes, hoping that by doing so she could get rid of the dirty thoughts that were assaulting her intoxicated mind. Occupied with the internal struggle, Yumi didn't notice a hand reach for her own near the numbered circle. It wasn't until that hand closed around her own that she felt a surge of electricity run through her arm and continued to the rest of her body. She stared hard at the joined hands; her pointed finger still sticking out, as she felt them inch closer to the appropriate button. With more pressure from the other hand, the button was finally pressed.
As the elevator began to go up, Yumi's stomach dropped. She didn't want to follow the length of the creamy, white arm that was still adjoined with her own. She didn't want to follow past those and end up staring at that kissable clavicle, and she absolutely didn't want to continue gazing upwards after that; past the jaw line to those palatable lips that were begging to be touched with her own ones. She was definitely in a pinch if she gazed back at those dark, blue half-lidded eyes that were so full of desire.
'Just don't turn around and you'll be fine. We are both tipsy, and all I have to do is just help put Sachiko-sama in bed after entering the suite... Wait I-I mean on the bed...GAH! Ok just stop thinking about beds! Just tuck her in bed and get out of her room!'
Caught up in an inner turmoil, Yumi failed to realize both of Sachiko's arms snaking around her waist and stopping there. Yumi's eyes snapped open; her body went completely rigid. For the third time that night-or morning, Yumi's heart raced again. She felt Sachiko breathing dangerously close to her neck, which made hair from her neck stand up. She was now clutching the rail found under the control panel for dear life. Her breathing sped up; her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
She gulped nervously as Sachiko started to press her front against her back. Yumi bit her lower lip; trying not to moan out loud. She was going crazy here. She could feel Sachiko's chest pushing against her backside, making her almost cry out with pleasure. Exotic lips were now getting closer to her right ear; readying themselves to move, to produce sweet yet heart-wrenching words.
"Yumi... I l-"
-DING-
'Thank you God.'
The elevator came to a halt, which caused them both to stumble; trying to regain balance. The doors slid open, making it possible for Yumi to escape the blunette's grasps. She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. They still have to walk towards the suite.
"Let's go Sachiko-sama. You don't want to stay there forever ne?" Yumi said, trying to sound collected.
Sachiko's face was tense; her hands clenching into fists repeatedly. She was annoyed, for they were interrupted again. She was clearly upset, but Yumi however was relieved.
She looped her arm through Sachiko's so they could help each other up while they attempted to make their way to their room. She heard the older girl laugh silently at nothing whatsoever. This made Yumi smile. Not too long ago she was upset, and now she was giggling like a schoolgirl to herself. Sachiko was so wasted. Clearly she can't hold up her liquor.
Arriving at the suite door, Yumi pulled out the key from her purse and slid it through the keyhole. She managed to push the door open; holding it to allow the older girl to get through before she stepped in and shut the door behind them.
Sachiko felt herself almost trip at the living room. She was upset with herself for choosing to wear these high-heel shoes. She felt like her head was trying to catch up to her eyes.
'Ugh... stupid elevator chimes.'
She was supporting herself along the wall in the living room, inching towards the bedroom, any bedroom. It didn't matter whether she ends up in the couch either. She just needs to lie down. In the end she waited for Yumi, for going to her bedroom proved to be impossible. Turning her head carefully, so not to catch herself unbalanced, she spotted Yumi fumbling with her shoe, and then the other shoe. She didn't even realized that Yumi was walking to her now, even though she was staring straight at her.
"Sachiko-sama, it would be best if you'd stop staring at my face."
"...Don't be ridiculous Yumi. I wasn't staring at your...pink lips."
Yumi's face turned beet red from the former's answer." R-Right. Let's get you out of that dress..."
Sachiko sported a half grin; eyes narrowing into a flirty gaze.(She was that drunk)
"...And into your night dress."
"..."
She felt Yumi's arm around her waist and lead her to what she assumed was her bedroom. She kind of felt as if she was floating in mid-air as they made their way inside. The room didn't feel like it was stationary. Then she felt something soft hit the back of her legs.
"Please sit down." Yumi gently ordered as she nudged her on the shoulders.
She did as she was told. She felt the mattress underneath her. Her eyes felt so heavy that she struggled to keep them open. She felt her foot being lifted off the floor as Yumi unbuckled the shoe strap of one shoe. Then she saw Yumi reached for the other shoe strap. Feeling a light-headed, Sachiko placed a hand on the brunette's left wrist, stopping her as she leaned forward. Yumi didn't meet her gaze.
"You look soooo beautiful Yumi..."Sachiko uttered with a drunken slur. (Yeah... that drunk...)
"Lift your leg Sachiko-sama."
Yumi didn't lift her eyes from the shoe. However, she moved her hand from Sachiko's touch as she finally unbuckled the strap from the remaining shoe. Sachiko felt the bottom of her feet breathe; finally able to rest bare feet on the plush carpet below her. She wiggled her toes.
She blinked slowly; eyeing her friend in the process.
'She looks so pretty... I wish I'm getting married to her, and not Suguru.' Sachiko grinned at the thought.
Yumi continued rummaging through Sachiko's suitcase.
"What are you doing Yumiii?"
"Finding your night dress."
"But can't I sleep in my dress? I think my eyes can open not much longer." She argued with a tired tone, weariness from the night evident in her yawn.
"Hold on."
Yumi was holding her pale blue night dress in front of her triumphantly. By the time she then felt the soft silky texture caress her hands. She gave the brunette a confused look, as if silently asking her what to do with the piece of clothing on her palms. Was Yumi not going to help her change?
"You go change in the washroom while I go to my own room to get changed into something I can sleep in okay?"
Turning her heels, Yumi was about to leave the former's room when a warm hand reached for her wrist, which made her feet stop its movements. This abrupt action from Sachiko made Yumi's heart skip a beat. Turning around to face the older girl; they locked eyes for a moment, trying to understand what the other was thinking, when Sachiko moved her trembling lips to speak.
"Please don't leave me." Sachiko said with a sad edge to her voice. 'Please don't leave me like last time.'
She didn't know what to say. All she knew at the moment was that she didn't want to be alone. She knew she was being irrational for requesting Yumi to stay, but she was scared. She was scared that if she was all alone, darkness would soon engulf her entire being. The incident that took course that bitter summer night would play in her mind numerous times, like unintentionally clicking the replay button to that nightmare.
She felt her grip on Yumi's hand loosen. Yumi pulled her wrist gently away from the brunette's grip. Sachiko's heart sank drastically. She would leave her alone, just like when she ran away from her, into the warm summer downpour. Sachiko didn't blame her for doing so. When Yumi vanished into the blackness of the night, that's when her tears started its course down.
She felt like dying-no her heart felt like it was being crushed by an unexplainable force. She felt like the world was against her, and she hated that feeling. When she thought about it, she didn't have to feel any of this if she hadn't met Yumi. But the strange thing was that she didn't regret it. She didn't regret meeting her. She didn't regret getting to know the sweet girl, and being her grande soeur; her mentor, protector. And she certainly didn't regret loving Yumi.
Not even one bit.
Engaged with her sad ramblings, Sachiko failed to notice Yumi's fingers tenderly tilting her chin upwards. Sachiko finally sensed her touch and gazed at Yumi's trusting expression.
"Don't worry Sachiko-sama, I'll just go change into something to sleep in and come back. I promise I won't leave you. I will never leave you." Yumi said with an assuring tone to the raven-haired girl. Both knew that Yumi didn't have to add the word again to the brunette's last words. As soon as the bedroom door clicked close, those last few words started to play repeatedly in Sachiko's mind like a mantra.
'I will never leave you...'
Never in her entire life did Sachiko ever feel secure the most. Just hearing those words in her head was enough to send her into a good night's sleep. Raising herself into a standing position with great effort, Sachiko managed to walk towards the washroom with a night dress in hand.
Once she was done changing into her pajamas, Yumi walked to her bedroom door and opened it. Once opened, she walked silently across the living room to the opposite door. She lightly tapped the mahogany surface.
Silence.
She then turned the knob and opened it only to find darkness. She could make out a body sleeping peacefully under the comforter. She used the small amount of moonlight that was peeking through the curtains as a guide. She made her way beside the sleeping Sachiko. Without a sound, she sat quietly and kept silent. Not wanting to wake up the sleeping princess, Yumi's hand slowly found its way to Sachiko's right cheek and hesitantly placed her hand there. She waited for any signs of waking up.
No movement.
Sighing in relief, Yumi began caressing the older girl's cheeks. Sachiko's skin was the definition of perfection; no flaws or blemishes of any kind could be found. Not even realizing it herself, Yumi started to speak what was on her mind.
"Do remember when we first met? You gave me a lecture on how tying a school bow was the first step to becoming the maiden of Lillian. Did you knew, that for that whole one minute of you rambling about such a mundane thing, I wasn't listening at all?"
Yumi stopped for a brief moment as she tried to collect her composure before continuing.
"You know why I wasn't listening to a single word that you were saying?"
No response, only the light and even breathing of the sleeping girl was heard.
"I was wonderstruck by how beautiful your eyes were. They were a deep, oceanic blue color, and I thought I was actually drowning in them when I stopped breathing. To say I was at awe because of your sheer beauty was an understatement to be honest."
She took a deep breath, and released a shaky sigh. Her chest clenched painfully as she her mocha eyes started to well up. She wanted to stop talking, but she won't.
She can't.
"When you suddenly exclaimed to the Yamayurikai that you were going to make me your petite soeur, I was surprised, greatly so. I mean, what would you feel if some girl you just met not awhile ago suddenly announced to everyone that you were going to be her soeur? I thought at first, 'Is she serious?' When I figured out why you wanted a petite soeur so badly and asked me to if I would like to accept your rosary, I declined. I knew it was too good to be true. At the time, I realized that if I did accept your rosary, you were just going to use me."
Yumi smiled bitterly at the memory.
"But all of that changed when I learned more about you. When I learned more about Suguru and all the duties you have to your family. When I learned about all your sorrow and hardships, from then I promised to myself, that I would do everything, endure any pain and shoulder all your burdens, just to see that pretty smile adorn your face once more. And I'm glad I did."
Her hand halted in its movements.
"When we got together, I was so happy that I could die. You held my hand and caressed my face lovingly. You would talk to me about your dreams, ambitions everything. I felt like I was strong enough to face anything. You would lean close to my ear and whisper sweet things, and then blow a puff of air after. That would always make me laugh. You were the only one who knew where my ticklish spot was. Not even Yuuki knew where it was."
Yumi weakly smirked.
"Only you."
A quiet chuckle escaped from Yumi's throat. It was true. Yuuki attempted so many times to make her laugh by tickling her, but failed when he can't find any spot where Yumi's sensitive. But soon that chuckle died down, and something the size of a golf ball suddenly got stuck in her throat. She was choking back tears by the time she continued.
"When you told me that you were going to marry him, and not fight for our love, my heart shattered into a billion or more pieces. You broke me. You ripped my heart out Sachiko. You did and I thought I was going to die. I knew that I couldn't just accept that and move on. So I ran, and ran till air ran out of my lungs. My mind... it was blank. I didn't know what to think or do, so I ran. And you know what the sad thing was?"
She was crying silently now, her not wanting to wake up the beauty that was in a deep and peaceful slumber beside her.
"You took my heart with you, and you didn't even realize you still had it. I wish I could hate you with all the hatred of the world combined, but I can't. I simply just can't."
Yumi's face was wet with tears now, but she managed to smile sweetly to the sleeping girl.
"I can't hate you Sachiko. I never did and never will, because I loved you, and of course I still do. This is the last night of your unmarried life, and you shouldn't be sad. Think of it like a storybook. Getting married isn't the end of the world. You just finished a chapter of your life, and the next one will begin fairly soon."
Yumi took a deep breath as she uttered her last words before leaving.
"So I'm glad I met you, and I've always wondered if you knew, that it was enchanting to meet you. All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you, Sachiko."
Wanting to say farewell in a special way, Yumi leaned slowly to Sachiko's face, and then she planted a quick kiss on her forehead while her right hand was still on Sachiko's cheek.
"Goodnight, and I hope you have sweet dreams, Sachiko-sama."
Withdrawing her hand, Yumi stood up silently, and without a word walked quietly towards the door. Turning the knob, Yumi glanced back one more time before closing the bedroom door behind her.
Unknown to Yumi, Sachiko wasn't sleeping at all. She was pretending and now that no one was in the room except her, tears that were held for so long finally rolled down her alabaster cheeks. Her chest felt like it was going to explode with guilt and anger at herself after what her ears just heard.
She heard everything.
'It was enchanting to meet you Yumi. I was very enchanted to meet you too...'
To Be Continued...
A/N: I know I'm pretty much Mary Sueing Sachiko here, but I've always wondered what she would say and do if she is under the influence of alcohol and if her grasp of perfect control is gone. So I'm very sorry to those who didn't like this chapter because of that. (Some people just hate it if their favorite characters were too OOC...I would hate that too)
Other than that, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave a comment or two if you have time!(but seriously, PLEASE REVIEW! :3)
Hope to hear from you soon,
AsulNaRosa
P.S. I know Yumi has a high tolerance for alcohol is surprising right? And not to mention she's already sober is just crazy, but I wrote it that way so yeah XD