A/N: Alright, so chapter 15 wasn't the best. I understand that and even posting it I knew it, but I think I've learned from it so thank you! (If your wondering I don't have a beta reader so things like chapter 15 can slip by me sometimes.) It's hard to explain but when I read my own chapters, I don't feel much like when I read someone else's work. Anyways. This is chapter 16 and yes it's back to the normal ~5k word chapters for this one. This chapter is kind of jumping right into the last problem of the story... i can't believe I'm almost done with it :(. That's alright though because I got like 7 more I am just dying to get out! :D So those of you waiting for The Surprise part 3 I promise that is what I'm working on after I finish this.
Sachiko yawned as she opened her eyes to the sound of her alarm clock filling the room. Normally, she hated waking up to her alarm clock and today wasn't an exception but it was different. Yumi had spent the night with her mothers permission and had her arms wrapped around Sachiko's waist, snuggled close to her back.
Sachiko was just thankful that her maids and mother usually didn't come in during the day. It had become normal for Yumi to share a bed with her when she spent the night, but she knew if Yumi was snuggled close to her like she was that she would have a hard time explaining it.
"Yumi, it's time to get up. We have to get ready for school." Sachiko said as she turned in Yumi's arms and slowly woke the sleeping girl up.
Yumi moaned a little as Sachiko smiled, she had never seen Yumi be woken up early before, but even Yumi had to hate something. "Yuumi. . ." Sachiko said quietly as the brunette stirred in her sleep again . Sachiko could tell that Yumi was starting to wake up and decided to deliver something that would surely wake her up. That is once she was done looking around the room to ensure that they were alone.
It was only a moment later that Yumi felt those lips she loved to feel every morning against hers and it only took a second for her to start kissing back, which Sachiko smiled in response to.
"It seems, I figured out how to wake you up, Yumi." Sachiko said after breaking the kiss and meeting Yumi's eyes with her own.
"If only I could wake up everyday like this." Yumi replied with a smiled as a knock on the door filled the room. Yumi instantly took her hands off of Sachiko and scooted away from her a little.
"Come in." Sachiko said a moment later as a maid opened the door and stepped inside.
"I brought your school clothes, like you requested." The maid explained as Sachiko sighed in relief, though she really had nothing to be afraid of. It was normal to have Yumi sleep in the same bed as her.
"Thank you. You can put them on the dresser." Sachiko said as the maid did as instructed before leaving the room.
"Do you think she suspects anything?" Yumi asked curiously as Sachiko crawled out of bed.
"No, I don't think so." Sachiko replied as she went over and grabbed the two uniforms, one which was Yumi's. "Here, Yumi, this one is yours, I had a maid pick it up last night and bring it here." Sachiko explained as Yumi got out of bed and took the uniform from her.
"Thank you." Yumi said before making her way into the bathroom to change.
Sachiko took the liberty of changing in her room while Yumi was in the bathroom and was just pulling her shirt over her head when Yumi walked out.
"S-sorry!" Yumi said as she stepped back inside the bathroom.
Sachiko could only chuckle before turning towards the door now fully dressed. "Yumi, you can come out. I'm done changing, besides it's nothing you haven't seen before right?" Sachiko asked as Yumi came out of the bathroom blushing.
"Yes, but you still deserve your privacy." Yumi explained as Sachiko opened her arms inviting Yumi into a warm hug.
"I know, but if it's you, then I don't mind." Sachiko said as she squeezed Yumi a little tighter before letting go. "We should go to the kitchen though, we don't have much time left before we leave."
Yumi just simply nodded in response as she smiled to Sachiko's first comment. Though she felt the same way, as long as it was Sachiko, she wouldn't mind.
-X-X-
"Did you hear?"
"I wonder for how long?"
"Is this a joke?"
Touko couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she walked towards the Rose Mansion, something seemed to have all the girls at Lillian in a gossip frenzy. She would try to ignore it for now though until she knew exactly what it was about. At least that is what she thought she would do, but she wasn't given the chance as an eager girl approached her.
"Is it true?" The eager girl asked as Touko again raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Uhh, I-I don't know what you are talking about and I would rather not get involved." Touko said hoping she would be left alone. She wasn't the type to be rude to the other students, but she thought it best not to be involved in any rumors. Then again she found it odd how she was being asked if it was true like she might possibly know something.
"You mean, you don't know?" The girl asked as Touko looked at what she was holding.
"Know what?" Touko finally asked, she knew if she were to walk past it might look bad for the roses.
"Look." The girl said as she handed Touko the school newspaper.
It only took a second for Touko's eyes to go wide as she saw the picture of Sachiko and Yumi kissing in front of the statue. "Where did you get this?" Touko asked as she peeled her eyes from the paper and looked at the girl once again, this time with a shocked, but serious look on her face.
"It's the newest issue of the school newspaper, everyone has it." She replied as Touko thought about it for a second. She could only imagine how Sachiko and Yumi were reacting.
"Do you mind if I take this? I have to go to the Rose Mansion." Touko asked a little impatiently.
"I don't mind, you can have it." The girl replied as Touko folded it up and started heading towards the Rose Mansion.
Once inside she found the other girls talking with Tsutako.
"Touko-chan, has Sachiko-sama and Yumi-chan arrived yet?" Rei asked as soon as she noticed the young rose enter the room.
"I-I don't know, I thought they were here. Have you seen the paper?" Touko asked as Rei and the rest of the girls nodded.
"Yes, we were just asking Tsutako-san about that." Rei said as she turned her attention back to her.
Tsutako sighed as she looked at the paper. It was evident in her facial expression that she was just as shocked to see this picture as the rest of them. "I don't know how it ended up in the paper. I mean I took the picture, but I never gave it to anyone. It was just on the digital camera. I was going to ask Sachiko-sama and Yumi-san if I could use it, but I never got to, so I just left it on the camera over break." Tsutako explained.
Rei sighed as she took a seat. Everyone in the Yamayurikai knew Tsutako to be an honest person and they also knew she always asked for permission first before using a picture. "So, what are we going to do? Sachiko and Yumi-chan are going to be here soon and I can only imagine what hell whoever did this will have to pay once Sachiko see's this." Rei said as the other girls looked down at the table.
"It's too late now, though. They are probably almost here if they aren't yet." Touko said as Rei nodded in agreement.
"I'm sorry, I should have never taken the picture." Tsutako said as Shimako shook her head.
"It's fine for now, just help us find who did this." Shimako said as Tsutako bowed her head, she had a feeling it was Minako, but until she could talk to her alone she would keep it a secret that she teased her with a front page story.
-X-X-
Sachiko helped Yumi out of the back seat of the car once they arrived at the gates of Lillian. Like usual the two would walk hand in hand towards the Rose Mansion. It didn't take long however for both of them to notice the awkward looks they were getting and the quiet whispers that were spreading around like wild fire.
"Onee-sama, is everyone staring at us?" Yumi asked somewhat nervously as she looked around at all the girls who kept stealing glances at them.
Sachiko knew something was up, she had sensed it right away that everyone was acting odd towards her and Yumi. "I don't know, but something is going on." Sachiko replied as her expression turned cold, which helped ease the looks they were receiving.
They were almost to the front door of the Rose Mansion when Tsutako emerged and looked at them wide eyed. She tried to say something, but couldn't in fear that Sachiko knew about the picture, instead she would simply just walk past them trying to avoid eye contact.
"That was weird." Yumi said as they both watched Tsutako walk away at a quick pace.
"I wonder what's going on." Sachiko said a moment later before continuing into the mansion with Yumi.
Sachiko and Yumi could hear a commotion in the council room as they approached and once they opened the door they immediately noticed it go silent as the girls nervously hid all the newspapers they had.
"What's going on?" Sachiko asked noticing the odd behaviors and looks they were getting from the rest of the Yamayurikai.
"N-Nothing." Touko said breaking the silence that had fallen over the room.
"Sachiko, Yumi, why don't you two take a seat." Rei said as Sachiko and Yumi went over to their usual chairs. Once they were seated Rei took a deep breath and continued cautiously. "You two haven't seen the newspapers yet have you?" Rei asked a little hesitantly.
"No, why?" Yumi asked as Rei took another deep breath and grabbed one from Yoshino, who had been holding it behind her back.
"Now, I just want to let you know before I show you that it's already being looked into." Rei said as Sachiko's cold expression returned.
"What is it, Rei?" Sachiko asked as Rei reluctantly placed the newspaper in front of her.
Both Sachiko and Yumi's eyes went wide as they gazed upon the picture of their first kiss in front of the statue. The headline read, "The Rose family. . . More than sisters?"
"Who took this picture?" Sachiko asked a moment later.
"Takeshima Tsutako." Rei replied as Sachiko took a deep breath. "We already talked to her though, she has no idea how the newspaper club got a hold of the picture. She said it was on her camera that was left at school over break. She wanted to ask you two if she could use it, but it looks like someone used it anyways." Rei explained as Sachiko felt Yumi's hand on her knee under the table.
"We hav eto think this through, everyone has already seen it anyways." Yumi explained.
Sachiko could only smile at Yumi as she realized there was nothing she could do to reverse the situation. Everyone had seen the picture already, all she could do now was try and say it was fake, though she knew this wouldn't be easy.
"Have you talked to Minako yet?" Sachiko asked as Rei shook her head.
"No. . . She was called to the principal's office this morning. I don't think we have to guess why." Rei said.
"It wouldn't surprise me if they call you two in there also." Shimako said a moment later as Sachiko sighed.
"As long as our parent's don't find out, it will be fine." Sachiko said as Yumi nodded in agreement.
"Perhaps, you should tell them?" Noriko suggested as Sachiko looked over to her.
"We haven't decided when we will tell them yet, for now I think it would be best to deny everything. We will let others know when we want. It is our relationship after all." Sachiko explained.
"Then we will help you out." Touko said getting the rest of the girls attention. "The photo is a fake if anyone asks."
"That is a good idea. None of us know anything about a relationship or the whereabouts of this photo. We will undoubtedly be questioned since we are all friends of Sachiko and Yumi-chan." Rei said as the rest nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, all of you." Yumi finally said as she looked back at the paper. "I just hope this is not news for long. . ."
Sachiko leaned over and gave her a hug. "I hope so too, but until then just remember, I will always be with you." She said as Yumi hugged her back.
"Same here, I will always be by your side." Yumi replied as the rest of the girls smiled. Even during something like this that had already started many rumors, Sachiko and Yumi could still find comfort in one another.
"I think it's best if you both deny everything for now, at least that will confuse the rest of the school so they won't know the truth. After all it is the newspaper club versus the roses word." Rei said as Sachiko nodded reluctantly.
"I'd rather not hide it, but until we know we aren't in trouble it may be best." Yumi admitted, gaining a smile from Sachiko, who felt the same.
"Unfortunately, we should be going to class. We may be late if we don't." Shimako said as the rest looked at the clock and started to get ready.
"Yumi, we can still hold hands. We did that even before this happened." Sachiko explained which brought a smile to Yumi's face. At this time it almost felt forbidden to say anything to her girlfriend and Yumi could feel her heart sink at that thought. It seemed like she wasn't allowed to talk with her while this was going on because it might fuel the rumor or even start new ones.
Thankfully though Sachiko was her Onee-sama and girlfriend. She knew that Yumi would probably react like that and it also hurt her to know that Yumi felt this way, but she would make sure to do everything possible to ensure that Yumi realized she was still approachable and her lover.
-X-X-
Yumi bid Sachiko a farewell once they reached her classroom door, she had wanted to give her a hug and even a goodbye kiss, but she couldn't. The most Sachiko could do at this point was tell Yumi that she owed her a kiss, which made Yumi much happier and gave her something to look forward to.
Yumi instantly noticed everyone paying attention to her as she walked into the classroom and made her way over to her desk where she sat down. She had never felt so uneasy in her life, which thankfully Yoshino noticed and tried to help by coming over to her and starting up a conversation.
"Yumi-san!" Yoshino said excitedly as she sat down in front of her. "Did you get your homework done over the break? I did, but I had to do it last night once we got home." Yoshino continued as the rest of the girls for the most part stopped listening.
"Thank you, Yoshino-san." Yumi said just loud enough for her friend to hear. She knew that Yoshino was trying to spark up a normal conversation to make it seem like everything was fine and nothing was out of the ordinary and it had been working.
Yoshino just smiled and nodded before looking over to the door as the teacher walked in. "Guess this will have to wait till later."
Yumi just nodded as Yoshino stood from the desk and made her way back to her own. She could already feel attention coming back to her. This would most certainly be an awkward day for her.
-X-X-
"Sachiko, she will be fine. If you over react too much, it might be obvious." Rei explained as Sachiko let out a frustrated sigh.
"I know. . ." Sachiko said a bit disheartened. "I just know they will go after her with questions and you know how she is when pressured." Sachiko said as Rei smiled trying to restrain her slight chuckle.
"Yes, I know how she is, but still if you go down there and try and protect her from every curious girl that comes by, it will probably be obvious that there is some truth to it." Rei explained once again as Sachiko turned her head and looked out the window.
"I just wish we could be together and not have it be a big deal." Sachiko sighed as Rei looked at her for a moment.
"It would be nice, but you are in a real relationship with another girl. In this day and age that gets attention unfortunately." Rei replied as Sachiko nodded.
"You're right, but if they go after her too much I don't care if they know, I will step in." Sachiko said firmly as Rei smiled.
"It's nice to see the Ogasawara fighting spirit. Now let's just hope nobody has to see it's claws." Rei replied as she stood from the desk she was sitting in to go back to her own.
Sachiko could only smile, Rei always knew what to say to encourage her. Especially when it came to Yumi, which was already encouragement enough for Sachiko to do something.
-X-X-
It was about halfway through their first period and both Sachiko and Yumi couldn't help but notice the stares they were getting from everyone, though admittedly Sachiko was thinking about the stares Yumi was getting more than her. She had never felt so protective over anything before, but Yumi was precious to her.
They had both been thinking about each other throughout most of the class, that was until the sound of the intercom filled the school.
"Fukuzawa Yumi and Ogasawara Sachiko, please report to the principal's office." The voice said as both Yumi and Sachiko took a deep breath. They already knew what this was about just like everyone else in the school who only grew more curious from the principal calling upon them.
Sachiko didn't waste anytime though and immediately left her classroom and hurriedly made her way to Yumi's classroom. Thankfully she had just caught Yumi walking out of the room with an almost frightened look on her face.
"Yumi, are you alright?" Sachiko asked surprising the younger girl, she had not expected Sachiko to come get her and thankfully the door was closed behind her so none of the other students would know.
"Yes, I'm fine. I've just never been called to the principal's office before." Yumi admitted as Sachiko gave her a hug.
"Me either, but everything will be fine I'm sure." Sachiko reassured her before taking her hand and walking with her towards the principal's office.
-x-
"Come in." The principal said as Sachiko and Yumi entered the room and bowed politely before being offered a seat.
"Thank you." Sachiko and Yumi said in unison as they sat down and tried to keep calm. This was the first time either of them had been called to the principal's office and they had no idea what to expect.
"Do you know why I called you in here?" The principal asked after a moments silence.
"I think I have a good idea." Sachiko said eying the school newspaper on the principal's desk.
"I take it you have seen the school newspaper then." The principal replied as Sachiko and Yumi both nodded. "I've already talked to Minako about it and I called you both in here to check her story. So I need to know is this photo fake or is it real?" The principal asked as both Sachiko and Yumi swallowed. "Just remember, lying will only get you two in trouble."
Yumi looked up at Sachiko a moment later, she could feel her heart beating a little faster from fear of what the principal would say and what they would say. Sachiko was at a stand still just like Yumi though and it wasn't until Yumi gave her the alright with a nod of her head that Sachiko made her decision.
"T-the photo. . . The photo is real." Sachiko said cautiously before looking away from the principal, she had never felt so small in her life.
The principal took a deep breath as she leaned back in her chair and thought about the story she had gotten from Minako. "Were you alright with this photo being used?" The principal asked as Yumi lifted her head.
"N-No, we didn't even know it was taken until we got here this morning." Yumi explained as the principal nodded.
"So you know nothing about this?" The principal asked just to be sure as both Sachiko and Yumi shook their heads.
"No, we don't know anything." Sachiko said before continuing. "I have to ask though. Will our parents be involved in this?"
The principal raised an eyebrow for a moment. "I am unsure at this point, why?"
Sachiko swallowed her nerves as she continued. "We haven't told them yet and we would rather they find out when we are ready." Sachiko admitted.
The principal looked from Sachiko to Yumi with a slightly surprised look on her face, she had thought the picture was perhaps just a dare between friends or something. "Y-your a couple?" The principal asked finally as Sachiko and Yumi remained silent. "Right, I don't think that should be a problem then. I only wish the best of luck to both of you when you do tell them." The principal said somewhat surprising Yumi and Sachiko.
"T-Thank you, Ma'am." Sachiko said a moment later as they both bowed their heads.
The principal just smiled as she looked down to the newspaper, she had never thought Ogasawara Sachiko to be a lesbian, she could only imagine what her parents would say. "You two are excused for now. I will leave it in your hands whether you want the other students to know of your relationship. In the mean time we will deal with Minako, but it may prove useful if the Yamayurikai talks with her. She might say something that she normally wouldn't to me." The principal explained as Sachiko nodded.
"You're right, perhaps we can talk with her. As far as the rumor goes we are denying it right now. We will tell them when we are ready." Sachiko said as she took Yumi's hand and gave it a squeeze, which Yumi smiled at even though she was still a little uncertain about how they would deal with this situation.
"Let's go, Yumi. We should get back to class." Sachiko said a moment later as she stood to her feet with Yumi. "Thank you for keeping our secret." She added as Yumi thanked her also before they both turned and left the room.
The principal let out a heavy sigh once they were gone as she shook her head. It was Monday and already she was dealing with all of this and now she could only think about what Minako had told her. It wasn't exactly what Yumi and Sachiko had to say, which she admittedly figured would happen, but she never expected the photo to be real.
-X-X-
The rest of the day went on as normal as it could get for Sachiko and Yumi. They did everything just like normal, even if they were getting stared at and everyone was spreading rumors. It wasn't until they were walking to the Rose Mansion that a group of girls finally approached Sachiko and Yumi.
"Is it true? Are you two really dating?"
"We saw the picture in the paper, is it real? Did you two really kiss?"
"They are always holding hands like lovers would, it has to be true!"
"That is enough!" Sachiko finally said not able to hold back her frustration anymore. "We will not answer any of your questions. If you will not show respect to me than I shall not show respect back to you." Sachiko said before tugging on Yumi's hand for the girl to follow.
The three girls could only remain silent as Sachiko and Yumi walked past them. Many had known of Sachiko's temper, but few had ever actually seen it.
"Yumi, I'm sorry. I may have lost my temper back there." Sachiko admitted once inside the safety of the Rose Mansion.
"It's fine, I am frustrated too. Besides those girl's were being awfully rude." Yumi said as she gave Sachiko a hug.
Sachiko took a deep breath as she ran her finger's through Yumi's hair. "It will be fine Yumi, I'm sure this will be old news by the end of the week." Sachiko replied as she kissed Yumi on the forehead. "We should go tell the others about the meeting with Minako."
Yumi smiled as she quickly stood on her toes and gave Sachiko a quick kiss on the lips, which caught the older girl by surprise. Yumi smiled again after breaking the kiss. "You still owe me one." Yumi said as Sachiko's confusion faded and was replaced with a small grin.
"You really know how to lighten the mood, Yumi and don't worry, I haven't forgotten." Sachiko said before leading Yumi to the council room where the rest of the Yamayurikai was waiting.
"Sorry, we are late, we were being questioned by some girls." Sachiko said as she pulled out Yumi's chair for her.
"It's fine, we understand. . ." Rei said as Sachiko took a seat herself.
"If you don't mind me asking what did the principal say?" Shimako asked as Sachiko took a deep breath.
"I'm glad you asked, because we may need your help." Sachiko said with a small pause before continuing. "The principal asked if it was possible for the Yamayurikai to talk with Minako, but I'm sure she will not wish to speak with me or Yumi directly."
"So you want one of us to ask her?" Touko asked curiously. "Won't she think it's odd that the Yamayurikai wants to speak with her?"
"Yes, but at the same time if she declines then it will just look like she has something to hide. I don't think getting her here to talk will be an issue." Sachiko said before sighing. "I just don't want this to get out of hand, we really just want to be left alone."
"Perhaps, you should just tell them then?" Rei asked as the rest of the girls looked at her confused. "I mean, if there is no confusion behind the story there is nothing to spread rumors about...right?"
"She does have a point." Noriko commented as both Sachiko and Yumi thought about it.
"Yes, she does, but I would like a little time to think about it." Sachiko replied, Rei was right after all, though she figured talking with Yumi about it would be the best course of action.
"What do you think Onee-sama?" Touko asked as Yumi looked over to her momentarily before looking back to Sachiko.
"I would like to talk to Sachiko first about it." Yumi replied as Touko nodded.
"That is probably for the best. This is something you need to solve together." Touko said with a smile as the rest of the girls gave a reassuring smile.
"Just make sure you actually get some talking done between whatever it is you two do alone." Rei teased as Sachiko and Yumi blushed. They had not known Rei to be the teasing type and even though they were embarrassed by her comment, it did wonders to ease their minds.
-X-X-
"Hello?" Mrs. Fukuzawa said as she answered the phone.
"Hi, mom. I was wondering if it's alright to be home a little late, the rest of the Yamayurikai invited me to get something to eat again." Yumi explained as Mrs. Fukuzawa thought about it for a moment.
"I guess, that is fine, but be sure to be home right after, we haven't seen you in a week, Yumi." Mrs. Fukuzawa replied.
"Thank you, mom, I will be home right after I promise." Yumi said before saying her goodbyes with her mother and handing Sachiko back her phone. "Thanks, Sachiko."
"It's no problem, Yumi. I'm just glad you were able to stay and talk." Sachiko explained as she took Yumi's hand in her own and the two started to walk together.
"So, do you think we should tell them?" Yumi asked to start the conversation.
"I don't know. . . Rei does have a good point though, if there is no mystery behind it then there should be no uncertainty." Sachiko replied as Yumi sighed.
"So you think we should tell them?" Yumi asked curiously as Sachiko paused and took both of Yumi's hands in her own.
"I think we should consider it." Sachiko said as Yumi thought about it. "I think it's the perfect practice."
"Practice?" Yumi asked confused as she looked up to Sachiko.
"Yes, I think it's the perfect practice for when we tell our parents." Sachiko said with a slight pause between her sentences. "I don't know about you, Yumi, but I would like to tell mine sooner than later. They may get mad, but I've already decided that I want to stay with you and I think it is apparent over the trip that our relationship is becoming more serious. . . I mean we even survived Sei's annoying pestering." Sachiko explained as Yumi chuckled.
"I never thought she would stop." Yumi said before going back to what Sachiko's main point was. "To answer your question though, I feel the same. I know it may be a little soon to tell you this, but I've thought about what it would be like to share a home with you. . ." Yumi admitted as Sachiko blushed a little recalling that she had thought of being a housewife for Yumi. Thankfully though Yumi was too embarrassed to look at her face and wouldn't notice this. "I take our relationship very serious and honestly, Sachiko. I don't know what I would do without you, I think life would be miserable. So if you want to tell the others, than I want to tell them too. I hate having to hide what we have, I just want to live a happy life with you." Yumi went on to explain as Sachiko felt her heart swell with joy.
"Yumi, I love you. . ." Sachiko said as she lifted the younger girls chin and pressed their lips firmly together in what would be a shorter, but very passionate kiss.
Yumi took a deep breath once the kiss was done and her eyes were opening. She had been so caught off guard by the kiss she had completely forgotten what she was going to say. "I love you too, Sachiko...and I want to love you for the rest of my life."
Sachiko smiled as she wrapped her arms around Yumi and tried hard to restrain a tear of joy. "Don't worry, Yumi. We will be together forever, I promise. Let's get you home though, we can talk on the phone a little later about what we should do. I'm sure your family would like to see you." Sachiko said as she intertwined Yumi's finger in her own and started to walk her home.
A/N: So there it is I hope you enjoyed it as always. I know Sachiko and Yumi's attitude changes a bit during the chapter on what they should do about the gossiping girls and they haven't decided yet. Anyways I don't have much to say about this chapter because I feel it does a pretty good job explaining itself. I haven't covered what exactly Minako's story was and Tsutako got away pretty freely at this point. I still got stuff to cover which the next chapters will be about leading to the end of the story, which is actually a lot sooner than later. Anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter, I realized 15 wasn't exactly the best and I also realize there are things to still be covered from 15. Anyways long story short. I'm sorry about 15 being the way it is, I may rewrite it eventually, but it still serves it's small purpose of getting from the vacation to here.