With curses broken, where do they go from here...?

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

Chapter 19. In The Sunlight

It's almost as though Maya can feel herself traveling through many different worlds at once that night in her sleep.

It's like she's floating on her back in the ocean, never sinking nor dipping below the surface of the water beneath her, but as she gazes upward, many many images flash before her eyes.

The memories replay, memories of teeth and blood and tears. Sometimes they seem to drip down toward her, and she flounders to avoid their toxic touch.

But every time they're just about to reach her, something gentle pulls her out of harm's way, into warmer waters where the ocean is brighter.

Though she's alone in the current of dreams, some part of her knows exactly who it is that brings her to safety.

Eventually, the frightening images end, and Maya finds herself gazing up at a clear sky, twinkling with stars. With a hum she feels herself inching toward consciousness, and relishes the warmth of the sea beneath her for as long as she can.

But even when she wakes and her senses recognize themselves again, that warmth never fades.

Even though she can't feel Claudine's arms around her directly at the moment, she can feel the lingering impression they've left behind after being held by her all throughout the night.

Even with her eyes still closed, Maya can tell that the intuition inside her now is human, and that she's woken to morning instead of evening. She can feel sunlight all around her, filling the room more fully than it typically used to, even with the curtains still drawn.

For the first time in longer than she can recall, Maya wakes with no worries. Not one.

She can sense Claudine still there beside her, though by now she's gotten curious as to find out why they aren't still nestled in each other's arms. So she finally brings herself to open her eyes.

Maya finds Claudine already sitting up beside her, with her arms raised in front of her.

Claudine touches her own skin, murmuring softly to herself in whispers, constantly looking down at herself or touching her hair or her ears or her face. Judging by her wide, excited eyes and her incredulous expression, Maya can quickly discern what she's doing.

Claudine is still in disbelief about her newfound humanity, so much so that she is marveling at her body - her rightful body. She is enthralled with it, and with the fact that the scars have fully healed and vanished.

Judging by the mild tingle on Maya's skin that resides after a constant contact has been removed, she can guess Claudine must have been doing this for a while now. The sunlight casts its golden rays in at her side, and she is positively glowing.

Maya's heart thumps a little harder, and tears rush in behind her eyes just by looking at her, just by seeing her so overjoyed and free.

She keeps quiet for as long as she can, admiring her in her mirth, until Claudine ultimately glances her way and finds her awake. At that moment, she brightens even more.

"Ah! I didn't mean to wake you-"

"Not at all. Please feel free to continue."

Claudine blushes faintly, clearly realizing Maya had been watching her for a while. With a huff she leans over Maya, her hair spilling across Maya's nose as Claudine leaves a kiss on top of her head.

"Either way, good morning."

Such a common phrase, and yet so foreign and exciting. After all, until now they have always woken in the evenings and spoken accordingly.

Maya turns herself over slightly, reaching up and looping her arms around Claudine's neck to coax her down for another kiss.

"Good morning indeed."

Claudine slowly lies herself down on top of her. Maya pulls the blankets up over her back and crosses her arms around her back, keeping her snug. She contents herself with placing lazy kisses through Claudine's hair and across her cheeks. Claudine curls up against her collar.

"It wasn't a dream…"

"Indeed it wasn't," Maya affirms. "We are human once more."

Claudine nods, but shortly after a whimper bubbles up, and hiccups follow. When she begins to cry again, Maya weeps quietly as well.

Even last night it had felt too good to be true, almost as though something might break or fall out from under them.

But if it still hasn't happened yet, perhaps it's time to trust in the reality of this morning.

For a while they cuddle close, seeking and providing comforts in every form. When the kisses require pause, Maya is content just to hold her.

It's nearly surreal just how wonderful it is to simply listen to her breathe, just to feel her heartbeat.

No guilt. No fear. No pain.

She has never known a Saijou Claudine who was so relaxed, so hopeful, so joyous.

Maya falls more and more deeply in love with her with each passing second. She loves her so much she can't stop a fresh surge of tears from spilling over, and the process repeats again.

They must linger in bed for another hour at least, kissing away tears, combing through hair, murmuring words of affection until they're overcome with emotion.

The world continues on around them as normally as it ever did. Only this time, it doesn't seem so cruel as to be uncaring of their private plight.

Now, the world is just… normal. As are they.

Well, perhaps not quite as normal as most, but at least in terms of their humanity.

And now, a surefire reminder of said humanity catches their attention.

It's Maya's stomach that rumbles first, so loudly and for so long it actually startles Claudine for a second as she pushes herself up off of her. But once she realizes what it was and sees the redness in Maya's face, Claudine bursts into laughter.

"You… Maya-"

But just before she can playfully tease, her own stomach responds in a similar fashion, and it's her turn to turn pink. Maya grins up at her, propping herself up onto her elbows.

"Oh my. Perhaps this is our cue to actually get out of bed?"

Claudine hides her expression with a dip of her head.

And so cautiously, almost carefully, they begin their first morning together in their newfound freedom.

Firstly, they take turns in the bathroom. While Claudine freshens up, showers, and changes, Maya does what she can to clean up the apartment. The streaks of bloodstains are the only evidence that remains of their past selves and their lives of suffering, so she puts all of her energy and effort into scrubbing them away for good.

When it's Maya's turn to shower and get dressed, Claudine handles changing the bed sheets and getting started on breakfast. An actual breakfast now, one they can eat in the morning.

When they have both reconvened in the kitchen, it's almost a little awkward somehow to be sitting down together for a meal so casually, without any sort of threat looming over them.

They pick at their food to start, until they get a taste of it and realize just how hungry they are. Maya hasn't been able to taste food in seven years. So upon taking her first bite of flavorful omelette prepared by Claudine's hand this morning, she bursts into tears. Claudine frets only for a moment before scooching her chair close and pulling Maya into her arms.

"You're too precious," she murmurs. "Come on, eat some more."

Maya sniffles between mouthfuls, needing to stop occasionally to wipe her eyes or blow her nose. Claudine eats her food with one hand, and rubs Maya's back with the other.

Once they've finished their meal, Claudine has Maya stay seated to catch her breath and does the dishes herself.

"Just you wait," Claudine hums. "There's so much food out there for you to taste again for the first time."

Maya finishes wiping her eyes with a napkin.

"You're right… Perhaps we should venture out today. There is… so much we can do now…"

"Go out…?" Claudine turns off the water and looks back to her. There's a bit of hesitancy in her eyes, which Maya understands very well. It's still almost incomprehensible to fathom they don't need to be constantly looking over their shoulders anymore.

"Indeed," Maya says after a moment. "I think it would be very nice. Though of course I wouldn't want to force you if you're uncomfortable with the idea."

"No-!" Claudine all but blurts out the word, then blushes and lowers her voice. "I mean, I would love to!"

Maya perks up hopefully.

"Really? Because… now that we can… I would very much like to take you out on a date."

Claudine makes a squeak of a noise, then scurries forward. All at once she drops to her knees beside Maya's chair and throws both arms around her, kissing her full on the lips.

"Yes! Let's- Let's go on a date, Maya!"

Maya is so surprised and delighted by her response. She channels her merriment into a tight hug.

"Yes! A date!"

A date. Such a concept had never crossed their minds before. Maybe once or twice back when they'd been children, before the curses had taken hold.

But their lives from the age of thirteen until now when they are twenty had been robbed from them. They'd never gotten the chance to do things like date or finish school or go to the movies or parties. For Claudine, it had been a life of abuse and violence. And for Maya, a life of seclusion and false emotion.

So now, after all this time, the idea of a date is the most thrilling thing they could ever consider.

"A date!" Claudine trills again. "What should we do?"

Maya helps her up from the floor, then stands from her chair as well.

"As I mentioned last night, I have a few ideas."

"But last night you just called it 'doing whatever we want.' You never said 'date.'"

"What if taking you out on a date is the only thing that I want?" Maya smiles. "Though please be aware, it will be my first time. I'm not entirely certain how to go about it."

Claudine tugs her in by the wrists and kisses her.

"Do you honestly think that I care?"

Maya kisses her back.

"I suppose you have a point."

And so, they get ready to set out on their very first date.

It's a little bit nerve-wracking to head to the front door with the intent of going out to simply… enjoy themselves. As they walk hand-in-hand across the carpet and put on their shoes, both girls hesitate every other step as if they're expecting something to jump out at them.

But when they finally reach the door, nothing happens. They share a glance of wobbly smiles, and Claudine reaches for the door knob to slowly push it open.

She peers out first, as if to check for enemies, and once she's deemed it's safe she takes a step outside. Maya remains rooted to the carpet, though when Claudine lifts her arm invitingly, she budges just a bit.

Claudine surveys the floor all the way down to the outside staircase, but they are the only people here. Her smile becomes a bit stronger.

"It's all right." She takes Maya's other hand as well, stepping back as she coaxes her outside. "The sun is on the opposite side of the building right now, so it won't be too bright here. Rather, the sunlight shouldn't bother you anymore, right?"

Maya blinks, tentatively taking her first step out of that apartment as a human girl.

"Yes... I suppose that's correct."

"Even so, don't push yourself," Claudine soothes. "We'll stick to the shade and take it one step at a time." She leads Maya a few more steps until the door can close behind them.

Maya looks around, squinting in the brightness. Her eyes certainly aren't used to daylight after seven years of being nocturnal.

They pause for a moment, considering it one victory that they'd gotten out of the apartment.

After a few minutes, Maya realizes her heart is pounding, but not out of uncertainty.

The realization really hits her then. This is the start of her life. Suddenly, she is overcome with the urge to move, to get started, to not waste another second.

"Claudine… let's go." Maya pulls her by the hand gently. Claudine steps up beside her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. In fact, I've never been more certain of anything in my life, other than the fact that I love you."

Claudine flushes, but slips her fingers through Maya's nonetheless.

"Then let's go."

And so, they begin the start of their new journey.

They keep to the shaded areas of the sidewalks as they head to town, maintaining a leisurely pace. Neither can recall the last time she'd witnessed an everyday scene in the daytime; people walking, cars strolling by, birds singing. It's so simple, so commonplace. And yet to them it means so much.

With no set destination in mind, they simply walk hand-in-hand.

There are a few minor mishaps at first, which is entirely understandable. Maya is nervous to step out into direct sunlight, so Claudine waits with her until she's ready, leading her out a little at a time. And when it doesn't burn nor even bother her skin at all, Maya finally opens her eyes and sees a scene brighter than anything she's ever known before.

It's so incredibly warm in the sun. And yet she still throws herself into Claudine's arms to feel even warmer.

As for Claudine, there's an instant where the bark of a passerby's dog startles her and has her jumping behind Maya on reflex.

But when the woman offers to let them get close, Maya demonstrates by reaching out her hand to let the dog sniff her, then pats it on the head. Timidly, Claudine mimics her, and the excited dog bounds up with glee as she finally brings herself to touch it. In the end, Maya isn't sure if Claudine or the dog was happier.

The two of them saunter around town, and eventually start stepping into the little stores here and there. Maya insists on buying Claudine some new clothes, considering all she's ever really worn had been from Maya's wardrobe. At the proposition, Claudine is hesitant.

"Huh? Is that really okay?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Maya smiles. "Though I haven't been at work for a few days, I have plenty of savings. And I would much rather use it on things you would enjoy instead of bandages and disinfectant."

Claudine blushes, but coyly accepts.

"Under one condition."

"And what might that be?"

"You need to buy things for yourself, too."

"Then we have a deal."

As such, they go about their first-ever shopping spree, trying on all different kinds of outfits and purchasing their favorites. By noon they each have a bag on one arm.

It's then when Claudine ushers Maya into a quaint little cafe and encourages her to order whatever her wallet can handle.

"I can start looking for a job too," Claudine says. "And then I'll treat you next time."

"There is no need to rush," Maya says. "I think you've earned a bit of time to rest."

They each order different things and split or share them; a bowl of soup, a salad, different flavored muffins and slices of pie. Maya's face nearly hurts from how much she smiles, enjoying the flavors of each thing and letting it absorb into her taste buds. She only avoids the soup, being it has a strong smell of garlic, which she quickly finds out she still isn't a fan of.

They eat their fill, pick up their things, and continue on their date.

They soon purchase some new sheets and comforters for their bed, which adds another bag to their daily luggage.

They return home close to 3PM to drop off their things, and then spontaneously go out a second time.

This time they go to a local park, which is bursting with color and nature in the middle of June. They keep to the flower-lined trails, pausing now and then to breathe in the scent of the petals, or to pet another dog, or to enjoy the view of the trees.

A small lake eventually comes into view, and they decide to walk around it, taking in the sights of fish and rabbits and swans. It's difficult to imagine that such beautiful scenery had always existed so close to them and they'd never had rhyme or reason to experience it.

They stop to buy ice cream from a little stand, then find a bench beside the water to enjoy themselves.

Once they've finished their snack and disposed of their trash, they stay seated for a long time, breathing in the fresh air and scents of flowers, listening to the rush of the wind and the tiny ripples of the lake.

They stay until sunset, where Maya gently nudges and kisses a sleepy Claudine to rouse her. But even when Claudine stretches her arms out and is preparing to get to her feet to make the walk back, Maya pauses her.

"Just a moment."

Claudine tilts her head.

"What is it?"

Maya stands up first, kisses her once, and then opens her arms.

"Would you mind terribly if I were to carry you back?"

"Eh-?" Claudine's cheeks turn pink and warm. "I-I'm fine. I can walk back on my own."

"I don't doubt it," Maya says. "But humor me." A stroke of melancholy passes through her, and her voice softens. "Until now, I have only ever carried you when you were injured. When you couldn't even walk on your own. I just… wonder what it would be like to try it now, when you are healthy and smiling. Is that perhaps strange of me…?"

Claudine's blush remains, but her confusion gradually melts into something much softer.

"All things considered," she says. "I supposed that isn't the strangest thing I've ever heard. You're sure I won't be too heavy?"

"Positive." Maya's response is immediate. So Claudine relents and dips her head.

Maya beams, kisses her again, and then crouches down to give her her back. Claudine gently wraps her arms around Maya and leans herself forward. Maya holds onto her legs, letting her get comfortable.

After a moment, Maya tilts her head to the side, brushing her cheek with hers.

"Ready?"

"Mm."

"All right."

Carefully, Maya straightens up as much as she can. Claudine clings to her at first, but once she knows Maya has her securely, she relaxes. She looks out over the water from this slightly different perspective, appreciating the new angle.

Maya begins to walk, following the trail that will eventually bring them to the park's exit. She checks back over her shoulder to glimpse Claudine's face and hair.

"How is it?" she wonders. "Are you comfortable?"

"I'm fine," Claudine replies. "What about you? Be honest, if I'm heavy just-"

"You're not heavy at all. Not even a little bit, Claudine."

"You're just saying that…" With a small huff, Claudine pulls herself up a bit to rest her chin on top of Maya's head for a second. Maya laughs, and a short moment later Claudine follows suit.

This is all Maya had wanted. To have her so close, to support her, to hear the hum in her voice and feel the song in her heart. When Claudine shifts a little and rests her head on Maya's shoulder, her warmth encompasses Maya like a blanket.

Soon they exit the park, and before much longer are on the way home.

Maya notices the slight change in Claudine's breathing, and her pulse slows down a little. It had been a long day. After all, what was likely just a very normal day to anyone else was a momentous occasion for the two of them.

Maya makes certain not to jostle her, glad she had proposed this method of getting back home. She hears a small moan from over her shoulder, and when Claudine speaks, her voice is hoarse and rumbly and so very cute.

"Mmn… if you're tired, just let me down."

"I respectfully decline the offer."

Claudine mutters something unintelligible and lets out another little huff.

Maya is so content it might even be considered slightly smug as she makes her way back to the apartment complex.

By the time they arrive it's about 5pm, and given the time of year the sun is still out. Maya lets Claudine down, and together they unpack all the clothes and comforters they'd bought today. They bring everything to the laundry room to wash, then go back to their room as they wait for it all to dry.

Once they're back, Maya makes a note of opening up the curtains and blinds, letting in as much of the light as possible.

They make dinner and eat together while letting the TV play, then when the laundry is finished they bring it all back up. After folding all of their clothes into the dresser or hanging them in the closet, they dress the bed with its new sheets and comforter, which is still wonderfully warm from the dryer. They dive in and get comfortable together, then snuggle up to watch a movie.

Their first normal day is followed fittingly by their first normal night. After one movie is finished, they dress into their sleep clothes and watch another, cuddling together and laughing all the while. The sun finally settles into twilight, and the moon appears from afar. The end of their movie finds them both wrapped tightly in each other's arms, their lips pressed deeply together.

There's just one thing left that could make this day undeniably perfect.

Maya just wants to be sure Claudine feels the same way.

After a while of pampering one another with lighter, more innocent kisses, Maya rolls her gently onto her back and kisses her a bit more firmly. Judging by her reaction of a rather interested hum, Claudine doesn't seem to be opposed in the slightest.

So Maya lets her hands roam with a bit more confidence this time, no longer needing to worry about making old wounds ache. Claudine returns the touches, also becoming more and more sure of herself with each passing moment.

They get lost in the kisses which have begun to stray from lips alone. Maya trails them across her forehead, and Claudine pecks her cheek. Fingers get gently tangled in hair, and their grips become a little harder. Maya only stops herself before she reaches Claudine's neck, easing back to seek her eyes.

"Claudine…"

Claudine blinks up at her with a dreamy look and a cozy smile.

"Yes, Maya?"

Maya hesitates, a slight sting rushing up through her nose and to her eyes.

"May I…? Rather, are you all right? I know the last time we did this I-"

"Don't worry." Claudine pets long, soothing strokes through Maya's hair, from the top of her head all the way down her back to the ends. "You loved me last time. I know you did. Everything you've ever done for me has been for love, Maya. I know that."

Maya sniffles, nodding a few times to try and keep the tears at bay.

"But this time… this time I want to show you even more. I want to prove just how much I love you."

"You don't have to prove anything. I already know." Claudine opens her arms to embrace her more fully, easing Maya down on top of her.

Maya gathers herself for a moment, waiting until the energy returns to her. Softly, she holds her lips to Claudine's neck, but Claudine doesn't even flinch. Her heart is racing, but it's very different from any other time.

Maya trails the kisses along her neck, taking particular care to kiss the place where she used to bite.

As they get lost in one another, Maya loses focus just for a split second, and her teeth end up brushing skin. Instantly, she begins to panic.

"I-I'm sorry. Did it hurt-?"

But to her surprise, Claudine arches her back with a giggle.

"That tickles," she sighs. Cupping Maya's cheek, she brings her in for another kiss, then pulls away blushing deeper. "You can do it a bit harder…"

Maya's heart backflips, but she gives a swift nod. When she moves back in, she lightly bites Claudine's shoulder, and then the side of her neck. Claudine wiggles with delight beneath her, letting out breathless little laughs.

Maya continues kissing her until those giggles turn to moans.

After a time, the heat has become too much for them to bear. Maya slips her hand down Claudine's stomach, touching the softness between her legs. She pauses just for a moment, waiting until she can see her eyes once again. Claudine gives her a hazy, beautiful smile.

"Maya…"

Maya leaves a tiny kiss on her forehead, then one on her cheek.

"I love you, Claudine."

She kisses her lips as she enters her, and moves very gently. After Claudine has adjusted to her touch, Maya moves just a little quicker and continues to shower her with affectionate kisses.

"Does it feel good?"

Claudine whines softly, clinging her nails lightly into Maya's back.

"Yes. I-It feels incredible…"

Maya kisses her sweetly.

"I'm glad. Please allow me to express my love in this manner as well."

Maya proceeds to ravage her softly, with care and tenderness and nothing less. She moves as Claudine needs her to and when she needs her to, until Claudine yelps out her name in a breathless gasp. A particularly warm rush of heat floods through them both. Maya all but smothers her with more kisses as Claudine hugs her for dear life, panting hard in a wonderful way.

Maya holds her, pressing close, waiting for her heartbeat to slow down. Her own heart is full to the point of bursting, so unspeakably happy that she could let Claudine feel so good, and so safe.

Maya is perfectly content to fall asleep with her like this. But after a few moments when Claudine has caught her breath, she makes a stunning statement.

"Your turn."

The next thing she knows, Maya is the one being pushed down onto her back as Claudine lies over her. Maya blinks up at her in the growing twilight.

"Claudine…?"

"Don't be unfair," Claudine huffs, looking away. "I… want to do this sort of thing to you as well, you know. Unless you're opposed-"

"Never."

"All right, then."

Just when Maya had thought today couldn't possibly get any better, Claudine proves her wonderfully wrong.

She does as Maya had done for her, mimicking the same heated touches and kissing her all the while. Maya hardly knows what to do, being touched by her like this. But it's when Claudine leaves a small bite of her own on Maya's neck that has Maya squeaking softly.

Claudine smirks.

"I'll remember that."

But even in all their teasing, their hearts are light and gleeful.

The heat rises once more, and Maya loses herself in Claudine's heartfelt kisses. So much of her feels so pleasant all at once that she hardly even notices the intrusion until Claudine begins to create a rhythm.

"Claudine…"

When Maya calls for her, Claudine is right there and ready with another gentle kiss.

"I love you, Maya."

Maya's vision explodes with color, but ultimately it ends with pink.

From there, they wind down with many more kisses, curling up comfortably as the heat fades into a softer warmth.

Tactfully, Maya coaxes Claudine onto her back once again simply so she can test a small theory. And judging by the way Claudine melts almost instantly, Maya can confirm she still very much enjoys her stomach being rubbed.

Maya traces light circles over her stomach and chest, earning a few happy little sounds in return. Claudine loops both arms around her shoulders, bumping lazy, sleepy kisses all over her face.

The moon shines its light down upon them, glowing silver. The two of them cuddle closer, sharing a safe and cozy embrace.

Maya nuzzles her collar, counting each of Claudine's heartbeats as they thrum beneath her ear. In turn, Claudine strokes through her hair, feeling the bliss of every sigh Maya breathes.

"Maya…" she murmurs eventually. "My Maya… I love you so much."

Maya gives her waist a squeeze.

"Indeed… if I am yours, then you are mine as well. My Claudine… I love you, more than anything."

They manage one final kiss for now, then steadily drift off together, cradled by the soft combers of sleep.

The night is warm around them, glowing softly silver.

The moon watches over them both, ready to see them through to another tomorrow, and into a future that's warmer than the sun.

A/N: At long last, they are granted the happiness they deserve after so many years of loneliness and suffering. It only felt right to have them make love again, even more tenderly than before, naturally with the ex-vampire enjoying a bit of biting and the ex-wolf enjoying belly rubs.

From here, we have one final wrap-up chapter.

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