Author's Note/s:
…Thank you for reading everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating their New Year's with their family, friends, and relatives. Since the new year's had passed, from now on I'll start answering to your reviews (^_^) I'm just so happy that with my first Maria-sama ga Miteru story I was able to gain a +100 reviews.
-o0o-
To the following:
Rasta Lioness - Happy New Year too! I promise I will keep up with my updates. It's actually one of my New Year's resolutions aside from dieting. Hehe… anyway, thank you for reading! (^_^)
D.E. - Yes, Ma'am… err… Sir (don't know which… sorry), I'll update as soon as possible. Thank you for reading! (^_^)
Chinensis' Fan - How do I say this… the Yumi I came up with is more dominating, playful, and quite intimidating herself… a total opposite from the anime/manga. Although she doesn't go for the ladies, it's the ladies who usually go to her… a darn trait of a natural-lady-killer. Let's just say its Yumi's overwhelming personality who reeled those ladies in. Oh, by the way, happy New Year too! Thank you for reading! I'll wait for your next review so that I can give a comment on it. (^_^)
HuGyWuGy - Oh yea~ a lot of unexpected things will come up. Since you asked about Sachiko, oh well… you really do have to read below ;)
ploft - About the story being a harem or a ShimakoxYumixSachiko triangle, I haven't decided which one I will use. Using a harem is good but using a love triangle is also good so… I really can't decide just yet.
-o0o-
CHAPTER TWELVE
Sachiko: "I want you"
-o0o-
"What do you think you're doing?"
"!"
I could clearly see the shocked expression on Yumi's face… like a kid caught red-handed from stealing a cookie from a cookie-jar. And during that time I wanted to be calm like nothing had happened but, NO. It was a TOTAL OPPOSITE. I was on the verge of raising my voice and I didn't care if anyone or even my Onee-sama would hear us. Heck, I didn't even consider that my actions were starting to become unseemly… like, I wasn't taught any manners at all.
"Y-you…" my voice started shaking as I tried to think of what I should say at a time like this.
"What do you want?" Yumi asked in a brusque-manner. From the tone of Yumi's voice it's as if she's… I don't know… angry, maybe? Why would she? And besides, I should be the one who should be angry!
(And on what basis you should be angry?)
'F-for being impolite a-and-…' Great, now I'm talking to myself and on top of that I'm even stuttering.
(Are you sure it's only that, that's why you're like that? Or, could it be something else?)
'!'
"Hey!" I heard someone said. The moment I realized it was Yumi with her face inches away from mine. I panicked and backed away without even thinking. "I said… what do you want?" This time… she looked irritated. "If you're not going to say anything, can I go now?"
'Wait a minute, what's with this attitude?' Once again, I haven't said a thing to that girl in front of me. There were just a lot of things that I wanted to say… all of it at once. But, I didn't know where to start. And now, I'm here watching her walk away… I gritted my teeth and said, "I'm not done talking with you!"
Yumi turned around. "So? What is it then?" she asked. Honestly, is there a limit to this girl's confidence?
"You- Do you usually kiss any girl whenever you want?" I didn't know why I asked that… It just came right out of my mouth, seriously.
"Kiss?"
Yumi looked at me in a questioning-manner. "Why? Did you happen to see me and Shimako back at the garden?" she asked with a smirk. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." she added without even giving me time to reply. Well, it was true anyway…
"Ara… so this is where you both are…"
We both turned and saw Sei-sama walking towards us. "We got worried when you both have not returned yet. Shimako's already upstairs and, I'm here looking for you the two of you." she said with her gallant smile as she pushed her fist at her chest acting like a knight.
'God… Another idiot appeared…' - "I apologize for worrying everyone." I said as a bowed and turned to Yumi. When she realized what I want her to do; she said, "Sorry about that too, Sei-sama."
"No worries, no worries…" Sei-sama said as she waved her hand. "Oh wait! Was I interfering something here?" The current Rosa Gigantea said with one of her cheeky smile. I sighed after hearing those words. Was she expecting something?
"You're not interfering anything, Sei-sama… We were just done talking anyway." Yumi said. She walked away leaving both, me and Sei-sama, in the living room.
"Hey, you didn't do anything stupid did you?"
I looked back at Sei-sama with a glare. I was about to give a retort, but instead, I replied with a, "Think whatever you want, Sei-sama," and walked away just like how Yumi did moments ago leaving my senior at the living room.
-o0o-
"Hey, you didn't do anything stupid did you?"
Those words were still haunting me. I asked myself, why do these words affect me so much even though I haven't done anything?
'It wasn't me to begin with. It's that idiot's fault…'
I said to myself as I remembered what had happened back at the garden…
There I was searching for Yumi and Shimako since both girls didn't return for quite sometime. It wasn't just me who was searching… everyone one of us. And, as I searched, I heard voices coming from the garden. From where I stood,
I saw Yumi and Shimako.
They were talking… more like it was Yumi who was talking. I couldn't understand what she was talking about. From the way I see it, it's as if… NO… it couldn't be…
'I-it couldn't be a love confession right?'
That thought made me decide to continue to watch over those two. But I didn't expect to see what I was seeing right now. I couldn't understand why my blood boiled as I watched Shimako approached Yumi with her face slowly moving towards. And still, I continued to watch. Why? I didn't understand. Was I hoping to see that maybe Yumi would push Shimako away? But NO… it didn't happen.
Yumi deepened the kiss.
I sighed just after remembering what had happened moments ago. And this didn't go unnoticed by my Onee-sama. "Are you alright? You seem troubled…" Onee-sama asked.
I, who was completely drifting away, tried to come up with a reply. "I'm sorry… I wasn't able to catch that, what were you saying again?"
Onee-sama sighed, and said with a worried look on her face, "I asked you, are you alright? But seeing your reaction, I can see that you're not okay."
Everyone in the room looked at me with worry in their eyes except for Yumi. She wasn't even looking at all...same goes for Shimako. I guess they both have the same thing in their mind…That kiss.
'This is absurd even I am thinking of that…that…ARGH!'
(You know… if you continue thinking about it, you might end up kissing Yumi as well.)
'…' I didn't know why but I was silent for awhile after hearing those words. But by the time I found my voice, subconsciously, I asked, 'Who are you?'
(Honestly, after all this time. You haven't figured out who I am. Alright, let me tell you then… I'm YOU. I'm one of the Sachiko you locked up inside that cold exterior of yours. Do you understand now?)
If I were to visualize the person I am talking to, I'd say she's definitely smilling mischievously.
After all the talking, I forgot that I was with everybody. And now, I'm totally caught red-handed… I kept thinking what will they say or ask since I haven't been acting normal ever since I stepped foot inside Yumi's house.
"Who wants to prepare lunch with me?"
I suddenly heard someone asked. And for a moment, we turned our direction towards Yumi. But before one of us could reply, we heard an unfamiliar tune…like a ringing of a mobile. "Ah-Excuse me, I have to take this," said Yumi. "Hello…" – Yumi greeted in English. Then, there was a pause - "Err… who I am talking to again?" – Yumi asked. - "Maria? Is it really you, Maria?" – Yumi asked with excitement in her voice.
We watched her talk with that Maria-person. From the way Yumi talked, I can clearly see the contentment, longing, and something I couldn't understand. And once again, I felt a stabbing pain…like something had hit me in the chest. Just like myself, I can clearly see Shimako's expression even though she was trying to hide it from everyone. 'Damn it, Yumi! What do you think you're doing?' I wanted to scream at her but once again I tried to compose myself.
When Yumi was done talking to that what-was-that-person's-name…ah…right 'Maria-san', Yumi had that dreadful look on her face which made everyone confused. "What's wrong, Yumi-chan?" Sei-sama asked.
The dreadful looking girl sighed before answering, "Maria, who called earlier, said that she'll be coming here in Japan." And once again, Yumi sighed.
"O-kay, what's wrong with that? Aren't you happy to see this person?" Sei-sama asked.
"Well, I do miss her. But, still…" Yumi said with her eyes downcast.
"Could this person be Yumi-san's girlfriend?" Yoshino suddenly blurted out.
Everybody immediately looked at Yoshino then back at Yumi. As this was happening, Rei was reprimanding her cousin for spouting something rude. "Yoshino!" Rei started with a stern voice.
Yoshino, who seemed to be unaffected, stared back at Rei. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Rei was about to reply angrily but was held back by Yumi. "No. Maria is not my girlfriend. She's my personal attendant." Yumi said. 'Her personal attendant…Wait, why do suddenly feel relieved?'
After hearing Yumi's sudden confession, Yoshino said. "Oh I get it… When you traveled here in Japan, you wanted to feel the life of being independent by living on your own while attending Lillian. But now that your personal attendant is coming here in Japan and start living with you, you feel that your independence is now gone."
"Wow Yoshino, I don't know where you got those crazy ideas but, oh well, most of them were correct anyway hehe…" Yumi said with a smile.
"So, when will this attendant of yours coming, Yumi-chan?" Sei-sama asked.
But before Yumi could reply something pounced on the said brown-haired-girl. "Woof" It was a white female Bolognese dog. "Woof, Woof…" it barked again as it licked Yumi's cheek.
"Hello there Princess," Yumi said as she tried to get up after the sudden assault from her 'fluffy' companion. "Are you hungry, my Princess?" Yumi asked her dog, Princess. 'God I feel like hitting something.' I only sighed at the thought.
When Yumi felt like we were watching her…talking to her dog. The said brown-haired girl asked, "What?" she said while carrying her dog, Princess, who at the same time, showing its little canines at us.
"It's nothing, Yumi-chan. But, don't you think your dog doesn't like us?" Sei-sama asked while pointing out at the said white dog.
"Huh?" Yumi looked at her dog then back to Yamayurikai members. "I don't think that's true. Here, try petting her." Yumi added as she handed Princess to Sei-sama.
"I think I'll pass…"
"Sorry, Yumi-chan… But, maybe next time…" Onee-sama said.
"Why not? Here, let me…" Yumi held my Onee-sama's hand and slowly she let her carry her dog. After that Onee-sama petted Yumi's dog along side with Yumi. "Told you it wasn't so bad," Yumi said giving my Onee-sama a smile.
"OKAY… Since it's almost lunch time, why won't we all go down at the kitchen and prepare lunch?"
Suddenly, Sei-sama announced and to top it off she didn't even waited for everyone in the room…she just left on her own. Some of us got confused at Sei-sama's attitude. But when we heard Eriko-sama say, "Ah… That was priceless you two," The said head of the yellow rose family giggled for awhile.
"That's mean, Eriko-sama. You're making me look bad here." Yumi said. She pouted that only made Eriko-sama laugh even more while Onee-sama just sighed at the two.
Once we arrived at the kitchen, we saw Sei-sama seated in one of the chairs while watching a stranger prepare lunch. The said stranger turned to us. She has a small face...like a doll, her brown-wavy-hair bounced as she turned her head towards us, for a moment…her dark-brown eyes looked surprised when she saw us but after a few seconds, she smiled at us with that pink-lips of hers…
"Maria," said Yumi. Obviously, surprised at what she saw. "You're here," Yumi's surprised expression hasn't left her face. "B-but I was just talking with you at the phone…"
"Ah~ yes that's right. I was already in front of the gate when you hanged-up."
For someone who grew up in Europe… She sure does know how to speak in Nihongo (Japanese).
"Everyone, this is Maria, my personal attendant." Yumi said.
"So, you're that Maria…" Yoshino said as if criticizing the said attendant before her. She looked at the attendant once again as if thinking over something but then Yumi stopped her… literally. "Hey! What was that for?" Yoshino asked while rubbing the sore part where Yumi had hit her awhile ago.
"You're being rude," was Yumi's only reply as she walked near the stove. "Hey, Maria… What do you call this?" Yumi pointed out to a saucepot with what it seems to be a Miso soup in it.
"It's Miso soup, Yumi." Maria answered while her Ojou-sama asked another question.
"What do you call this, this, and this?" Yumi asked like a curious child. It's as if it's her first time seeing these Japanese dishes. 'I guess I'm not the only one who haven't seen nor eaten these types of dishes.'
"This you're referring to is called Korokke (croquette), this one is called Tempura, and this one is called Teriyaki. Before coming here I've already bought the needed ingredients for these meals. Such as…certain ingredients and vegetables from Shimonoseki* for the Korokke (croquette) and the Miso soup, prawns from Tsukiji* for the Tempura, and beef from Matsusaka* for the Teriyaki."
"You didn't have to travel all over Japan just to make all of this. I'm fine with the usual. You didn't have to- O-ouch… Bloody-do you want to pull my ear off, woman? Sheesh…" Yumi rubbed her ear, trying to make the pain go away, while her attendant just sighed at her Ojou-sama.
"This is why I'm cooking Japanese dishes. You don't know any single one, Yumi." Maria said. Now that surprised me. Come to think of it, when Yumi was still living in the mansion, the food was always a western dish (not that I mind).
"That's not true. I know and eaten some Japanese food since I came here in Japan." Yumi said, proudly.
"Really?" Maria asked while Yumi only nodded. "Name a few then…" Maria said with a smile.
"What? Why not one?" Yumi asked.
"Alright, how about ten then…" Maria smiled ever more when she saw Yumi pouted in defeat. "It's alright, Yumi…why won't you and your friends wait at the dinning room while I fix everything here," we walked out of the kitchen and went to the dinning room just like what Maria had told us. After a couple of minutes, Maria walked out with a tray full of kitchenware. Some of my friends decided to help while others still remain on their seats…like me. Once the utensils were placed, they walked inside again and placed all the dishes accordingly at the table. Maria even made some side-dishes and dessert for today's meal.
"I can't believe I'm gonna say this but…come on let's eat the food's making me drool." Eriko-sama said as she was about to sit but, unfortunately…"Ow…Youko! That hurts…" Eriko-sama said as she held her head while Onee-sama was on her lecturing mode again.
"Where are your manners, Rosa Foetida?"
"U-um… the food's going to get cold. We should eat." Yumi said as she tried to break-in between Onee-sama and Eriko-sama which, apparently, was successful.
"Where are you going?" Yumi asked Maria who was walking towards the kitchen. "Join us," Yumi said, more like commanded.
"But," Maria hesitated while Yumi, for a second, looked at Maria sternly. "Alright, I'll go get myself a bowl and chopsticks," Maria said. She just sighed as she went to the kitchen to get herself the needed kitchenware.
After eating lunch, we finally decided to go to our respective homes. Since Me and Yumi were only several blocks away, we decided…well, more like, Yumi decided to walk the others to the bus stop while I, on the other hand, was just following from behind.
"Thanks for letting us stay, Yumi-chan," Onee-sama said with a smile.
"Yea and tell Maria-san the food was delicious," Sei-sama said which made almost everyone nod in agreement.
"Bye, see you both tomorrow!" Everybody walked down to their own destination.
Some of them walked in pairs while some didn't.
Onee-sama was with Sei-sama, Rei was with Yoshino…it's common since they both lived next door. Eriko-sama went off by herself just like Shimako. 'Ah… that name again. Why does it bother me anyway?' I thought all the while as I glared at the person next to me…the very person whom I asked to be my petite sœur.
We were currently walking at the side of the long walls of the mansion. From where I stood I could see the main gate. But before we could arrive at the gate, I stopped walking. Thankfully, Yumi noticed it.
"What's wrong?" Yumi asked.
"Yumi…" I called for her attention.
"Hmm? What is it?" She asked wearing her curious-face
"Be my petite sœur," I said. 'Truthfully, the more I say this line…the more I find it difficult to say it.'
"Why?" Yumi asked, this time, the curiosity leaving her face only to be replaced with a serious-face.
"B-because…" I can't believe I'm stuttering here. You need to show her how an Ogasawara do things, Sachiko. "Because… I want you," I said. "I want you to be my petite sœur, Yumi." I repeated as if I was proposing to this girl before me. But after that the only reply that I got was a sigh.
"What now?" I asked, genuinely piqued.
"If you're going to make me your sœur by means of using sweet words like what you did awhile ago, please just stop. You're only wasting your time." Before walking away towards her building, she said, "You know, at first, you would understand since you, yourself, is a petite sœur giving support to your grande sœur." She paused for a moment then continued again.
"Tell me, Sachiko-sama…what is it that you need from me?"
There was something about that question that made me think. Was Yumi trying to tell me something?
"Well, we're here now," Yumi said, after she walked me towards the main gate. "See you tomorrow, Sachiko-sama," Yumi walked towards her building, giving me no time to say my farewells as well. I just mumbled a "See you tomorrow too, Yumi."
-o0o-
Cameo/s:
* Maria, the capable maid in the anime / manga series "Hayate no Gotoku (Hayate, The Combat Butler)."
Trivia/s:
* Matsusaka is a city in Mie, Japan; famous for its beef.
* Tsukiji (a.k.a. Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market) is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The market is located in Tsukiji in central Tokyo, and is a major attraction for foreign visitors.
* Shimonoseki is a city located in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. It is at the southwestern tip of Honshū, facing the Tsushima Strait and also Kitakyushu across the Kanmon Straits.
Disclaimer:
* Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.