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TITLE: Intents and Purposes
SERIES: My Otome
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Haruka/Yukino.
SUMMARY: Haruka Armitage and Yukino Chrysant have done everything in their lives for a common purpose with a shared intent.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fitted New Era STL Cardinals baseball cap.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Nada.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Five
Out of all the classes Haruka had to take at Garderobe the one that she enjoyed the least was Otome Etiquette. It was a class which focused on the manners an Otome was meant to develop. How they should act with their Master and the proper rules of behavior for all of the known cultures of Earl. The class was much ado about putting on fake airs, pretending and preening, things Haruka didn't like in the slightest and wasn't the littlest bit good at. Fortunately, it was taught by Miss Yukariko, who was a far more understanding and gentle instructor than Miss Maria and she tended to have sympathy for people she could tell were trying but just not doing as well. This aided in Haruka's slow but steady progress in the course.
Currently they were sitting through an example of the elaborate tea ceremonies they had in Zipang and Haruka grimaced at the numb tingling sensation that was running through her feet and slowly up both her legs. They had been sitting in the same awkward position for the past forty five minutes as the ceremony went on and Haruka was ready to scream out in frustration. Instead she gritted her teeth and tried to wiggle her toes to wake them up again, sighing quietly when she felt some feeling return to her feet.
Subtly glancing over at Shizuru and seeing the brunette maintaining her perfect posture and a stoic expression, Haruka had to control the urge to scowl. Of course her roommate was good at this kind of thing. Where you had to hold back who you were and put on an air of quiet calm and repress practically all emotion. This was a class practically made for Shizuru and that's probably part of why Haruka did so very badly in it. They hadn't been together at Garderobe long, just over a month, but already Haruka knew her roommate was going to give her the greatest challenge out of all the other students at the academy.
What frustrated Haruka the most were the things she struggled at and had to work her hardest towards, such as Otome Etiquette, Shizuru breezed through as if it were nothing and the things that Haruka excelled at Shizuru never appeared to have difficulty with. Never appeared to but Haruka watched Shizuru closer than she did others because she considered her competition, a challenge, and she saw that her strengths were Shizuru's weaknesses and vice versa. They were opposites in almost every way and realizing this, Haruka came to the conclusion as much as the other girl might annoy her, it was a good thing to have her around, simply because competing against Shizuru forced Haruka to improve on the things she was poor at rather than just focusing on her strengths. This would only help to increase her abilities as an Otome and make her a more well rounded fighter.
Although she couldn't help the relief she felt when Otome Etiquette was dismissed and they moved onto the next class of the day. Fighting Tactics tended to be disliked by most of the Coral students simply because Miss Maria was its longtime instructor and she wasn't exactly the easiest person to learn from. It wasn't that she was unclear in her teaching but to say she was strict in her methods would be a vast understatement to say the least. Haruka enjoyed the class and Miss Maria as an instructor though. She appreciated the way Miss Maria got quickly to the point and didn't mince words, it reminded Haruka of her parents and how they taught her self defense and fighting skills.
They never failed to tell Haruka when she had done something wrong as much as when she did something right. Miss Maria was the same and Haruka hardly thought it was her fault that a good deal of her Coral students got things wrong more than right and therefore received less praise than they were probably used to. It made Haruka scowl to think of it, that was the another thing she despised, people feeling as if they were entitled to something. Haruka was taught everything in life had to be earned, you just weren't given things on a silver platter, you had to work for them first and it bothered her that some Corals disliked Miss Maria because she lived by that edict.
Having an attitude like that would never help them become an Otome, of that Haruka was certain. As much as time seemed to drag whenever she was in Otome Etiquette it passed at an enormously fast pace when she was in Fighting Tactics. Before Haruka knew it the hour was over and they were trudging off to the collective showers before those in charge of the evening meal had to start preparations. Haruka was shifting her neck from side to side and turning in a twist when Miss Maria called her name. Pausing in her warm down routine, the blonde ran over to her instructor and looked at her with expectant eyes, waiting for whatever compliment or criticism that would come.
"You excel in hand to hand combat," Miss Maria began and Haruka couldn't help but smile widely on hearing this.
"My parents trained me," informed Haruka proudly, threading her hands behind her back and rocking back on her heels. "Since I was small."
"Tell them they did a fine job of it," said Miss Maria, a hint of a smile pushing at her lips.
"I will!" Haruka said enthusiastically, nodding her head, and she turned to go but Miss Maria stopped her with what she said next.
"You're more advanced than the rest of your class in fighting skills, nearly at Pearl level," Miss Maria remarked. "You're more than ready to advance onto using weapons in your sparring. If you like, I could provide you with additional training."
There was a moment of disbelief and then Haruka's confidence, almost always ever present, reemerged and she grinned largely, looking thrilled with this development, nodding her head as she said, "I'd like that."
"Good," said Miss Maria and she paused for a second, appearing to contemplate. "Miss Viola is almost at your level. Invite her if you like. Our sessions will begin tomorrow morning, an hour before the first class of the day, on the south lawn."
With that, Miss Maria was gone, and Haruka was left blinking in confusion. The extra training was meant for her, wasn't it? Why should she have to invite Shizuru? Shaking her head and scowling, Haruka ignored the need to shower and wandered about the grounds, lost in thought and wondering what she should do. She was convinced out of everyone in Garderobe her biggest competition came from her roommate and that being so, it hardly made sense to aid Shizuru in getting better, did it? Then again, it wasn't fair, her taking the extra training solely for herself when Miss Maria extended the invitation to Shizuru as well and what sort of victory would it be if Haruka beat Shizuru when she wasn't at her best? A hollow one for sure that would say nothing about her own skills.
Tromping back to the dorm, Haruka flung the door open and shut it with a bang, greeted by Shizuru turning in her chair from where she sat at her desk and raising a fine brown eyebrow. Immediately Haruka was struck with the desire to shut her mouth and not say anything about the extra training but she'd already made up her mind that it wouldn't be right to do that and when Haruka made up her mind on something she never swayed from the decision. Unless Yukino was involved, of course.
"Miss Maria offered to give us extra combat training," Haruka stated, flopping down on the bed, and tugging off her shoes. She tossed them behind her bed, concentrating on not looking at Shizuru. "They start tomorrow on the south lawn an hour before classes begin."
Silence except for the small squeak of a chair being pushed back then Haruka felt the light touch of fingertips on her jaw and she peered up at Shizuru who was looking at her with smiling eyes. The expression she wore wasn't that false one she often had, the one that Haruka so despised, instead it was something genuine and while there was that infernal teasing there was gratitude too.
"Haruka-san means to say Miss Maria offered it to her first, did she not?" asked Shizuru gently.
Her cheeks hot with embarrassment, Haruka's jaw clenched and she purposefully looked away from Shizuru. "Maybe," Haruka grunted, shaking her head and causing Shizuru's fingertips to fall from her face. "She still invited both of us."
"But Haruka-san didn't have to tell me this," Shizuru pointed out logically and Haruka scowled, turning her attention to the other girl. Raising an eyebrow at Haruka's fierce expression, Shizuru explained, "It does grant a great advantage and Haruka-san wants to be the best."
"Not that way," Haruka growled the words more than said them. "That's no way to win. It's got no honor and I wouldn't want it. Doing that sorta thing, that's what someone who doesn't have guts would do, someone afraid to fight against real competition. I do want to be the best, the No. 1 Coral, but I'm going to do it square and fair."
"Fair and square," corrected Shizuru, her tones lightly teasing but also fond, a smile playing on her lips.
"That's what I said!" insisted Haruka, scowling deeply, and turning to look at Shizuru who was suddenly very close to her. "What?" she grumbled, instinctively scooting away from her roommate. She never got this close to anyone unless it was in a fight or the person was Yukino. Of course, when it was Yukino, she never had the urge to scoot away. Haruka liked being close to her. "What do you want?"
"Haruka-san is a very kind person, isn't she?" Shizuru murmured, taking a lock of Haruka's hair in between her index finger and thumb and rubbing it thoughtfully. Tilting her head to one side, she observed her quietly then said, "I think I'm lucky to have her for a roommate."
"You talk too much," Haruka accused and she shoved herself away from Shizuru, not liking her being so close, and stood up to stare at the brunette who remained sitting on her bed. "An Otome should be about action!" Haruka declared, pointing at Shizuru.
"Oh?" inquired Shizuru softly. "What if actions can't fix things, what then? Shouldn't one think things through?"
"The right actions always can and thinking just makes complications," said Haruka confidently, puffing her cheeks out, folding her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Shizuru then an idea occurred to her, a smile spreading across her features as she considered it. "We'll have a contest," she announced, sounding very pleased with herself, placing her hands on her hips. "You and me, until we graduate and become Meisters, to see who's got the best fighting style. Me with my action and you with your thinking."
"How do we determine who wins?" asked Shizuru curiously.
"Ranking, individual battles, grades," Haruka offered with a shrug. "Why?" she formed a boastful sort of grin. "You're not scared to compete against me, are you? I'm a lot stronger than you, I did punch you halfway across the field today in class."
Rust colored eyes became lidded and Haruka swore she saw a spark in them, something dangerous, and rather than being scared of it, she found herself incredibly pleased because it was yet another real emotion from her roommate and not her perfect facade she liked to keep up. "I am nothing of the sort," said Shizuru coolly. "If a competition is what Haruka-san wants than a competition is what she shall get."
"Great!" Haruka beamed and she thrust her hand at Shizuru. "Let's shake on it."
Shizuru paused, seeming perplexed by this offer, but then she slowly smiled and took Haruka's hand, shaking it gently and instead of releasing her grip, she tugged the blonde to her in a smooth movement and looked up into violet eyes. "Haruka-san," she breathed but her gaze held a hard glint to it that caused Haruka to offer a reckless and wild grin in return. "I will win."
"You wish," drawled Haruka, squeezing Shizuru's hand hard, and meeting her challenge head on.
---
Training with Miss Maria progressed quickly, moving from the basic staffs onto naginatas, halberds, and even a mace and chain, something that Haruka was terribly excited about as it was similar to the weapon used by Meister Blomquist. Whenever an Otome inherited a GEM they had little changes to the robe and weaponry it came with but they did shift, the look of the robe and sometimes even the style of the weapon was slightly altered due to the new Meister gaining control. Haruka wondered when Meister Blomquist retired, what would the new user of the Continental Orb Topaz be like. Meister Blomquist was a legend in Aries, having served three Presidents for thirty two years, currently serving her fourth. It was almost impossible to see someone other than her possessing that GEM but Haruka knew it would one day it would happen.
It had nothing to do with her goals though, Haruka wanted to serve Yukino, to be her Otome. Though she wasn't nearly as clever as Yukino, particularly in the realm of politics, she knew it would be impossible for the brunette to graduate Windbloom University and be able to become a candidate for President. First she would have to earn her way through the ranks, working for the Mayor of Caeles perhaps, or in the Senate. That was where Haruka imagined her assignment as an Otome at the start, not within the depths of The Hexagon, working for the President. She saw that happening far into the future, once Yukino established herself.
The challenge that Haruka had made to Shizuru seemed to somehow light a fire in the other girl, Haruka had never seen her roommate so determined and focused, and Haruka wondered if making the bet was really the smartest thing for her. Especially when she faced so many defeats from Shizuru. Though for every defeat she learned something new and she came back the next instance stronger than ever and knocking Shizuru down, causing real emotion to form on the brunette's face when she admitted a loss to Haruka.
Though she teased and got far too close for Haruka's comfort, Shizuru was assisting Haruka with her more troublesome classes such as Otome Etiquette, helping her learn how to hold a tea cup in just the right way and how to sit in the perfect position for this and that ceremony. Of course, there were countless times where their neighbors in the dorm heard the blonde's loud cursing and the inevitable smash of china against the wall from these tutoring sessions but in the end, Haruka managed to improve in the class. Although Haruka often considered that Shizuru's help was something akin to torture than anything actually quite useful.
All too quickly they advanced through the Coral ranks with Shizuru at No. 10 and Haruka following close behind at No. 11. They shifted throughout the weeks, one advancing over the other, and right now Shizuru was winning. Haruka vowed that she would beat her again though and advance to a rank higher than Shizuru. She had yet to discover the brunette's reason for wanting to become an Otome but somehow she thought it wouldn't be as good as her own and she had a promise to keep, a promise made to Yukino, which made it the most important kind and that meant she had to do her very best and rank as high as she could.
Haruka doubted anything Shizuru came up with could be as important as Yukino.
On the weekends, their training time shifted to the early afternoon with Miss Maria, and as soon as they returned to the dorms, Haruka flung open the closet to change into a fresh uniform. She hopped around the dorm, pulling off her stockings and shoes to replace them with a clean pair. Shizuru observed her roommate with quiet amusement, perched on Haruka's bed, something that relentlessly annoyed the blonde so it was something that Shizuru was sure to do often. Resting her chin in the palm of her hand and a smile curving on her lips as she observed Haruka's harried changing, Shizuru murmured, "Ara, is it just me or is Haruka-san in a rush? Does she have an important date perhaps?"
"Shut up!" Haruka ordered, still hopping on one foot as she tugged off her stocking and flung it in Shizuru's direction. Once she had the new pair on, she dashed back over to the closet and put on her new uniform. Tugging it into place, she muttered, "It's none of your business."
"Haruka-san does have a date then," Shizuru said, sounding most intrigued. "With who? Not an oneesama? It's unusual for a Coral to have permission to leave the Garderobe grounds, even if they are as dedicated as Haruka-san. Perhaps she has a date with an influential Pearl?"
Slamming the closet shut and giving Shizuru a hard glare, Haruka declared, "I don't and the Principal said I could leave campus."
"Oh?" questioned Shizuru, lifting an eyebrow. "For what?"
"I told you, it's none of your business," Haruka muttered, gathering up her wallet, shoving it into the pocket of her skirt and smoothing out her uniform one last time before ruining this work by dashing out the door. "I got somewhere important to be, unlike you!"
With that, the door slammed shut, and Shizuru sighed, sinking back onto Haruka's bed and staring up at the ceiling. "So it seems," she said in soft whisper to herself, rust colored eyes reflecting a touch of sadness.
---
Taking away the time she first arrived at Garderobe for the entrance exam and then her return to the school for admission, Haruka hadn't spent any time in Wind City. It was true, what Shizuru said, a Coral student being allowed to leave the Garderobe campus wasn't the easiest thing to accomplish but with the help of Miss Maria and a very impassioned plea to the Principal, Haruka had managed it, and just in time to celebrate Yukino's fifteenth birthday. Wind City was bustling and full of people, crowds, and noises. They were all things that Haruka disliked with a certain passion but she would put up with all of that and more if it meant she could see Yukino again.
Dashing through the city, darting in between the people, Haruka ran towards the small café she arranged as a meeting place, standing in front of it and raising herself up on her toes, searching for Yukino in the sea of people. Eventually she spotted the familiar sight of a messy brown head of hair and lowering herself onto her feet, Haruka pushed her way through the people, biting back the annoyance she felt and wearing a wide grin when she saw Yukino. The moment she spotted the older girl, Haruka felt a great swell of happiness and calling out her name, she swept Yukino up in her arms for a hug, laughing when the brunette clung to her, saying her name with shy affection.
"Happy birthday," Haruka said breathlessly, lowering Yukino to the ground, smiling eagerly.
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name in a happy murmur, returning the smile. Her eyes ran the length of the younger girl's body, marveling at the changes that occurred in the five months they hadn't seen each other. Haruka was nearly a head taller than her and while she had always been in stupendous shape thanks to her training there was a sharp sort of look to her that she didn't have before. Something almost dangerous in the tone of muscles, something further setting her apart, telling those who saw her she was a student of Garderobe. "You've gotten so tall," said Yukino softly, touching the planes of Haruka's face tenderly. "How have your classes been going?"
"Good," said Haruka with a grunt. She wore a grin and wagged a finger at Yukino as she said, "But no more stuff about me. It's Yukino's birthday, today should be about her. I made sure I could spend the entire afternoon with you in Wind City so we have to celebrate."
"Being with Haruka-chan is celebration enough," Yukino insisted, truly feeling that was the truth of the matter. Though they had written one another daily and had conversations on the phone it wasn't the same as being together in person. Just knowing she would be able to spend the entire day with Haruka was enough of a present for Yukino. She didn't need anything else to make her happy.
Screwing up her face in disbelief, Haruka shook her head and grabbed Yukino's hand, tugging her into the café. "This place has got really good cakes, that's what my bubuzuke of a roommate says, we should try them," Haruka said. "I'll get strawberry and you can have the chocolate, we'll share and that way Yukino can have both her favorites. I'm paying too, Yukino can't pay for anything on her birthday."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name in a happy sigh, following after the younger girl and blushing when the blonde pulled her chair out for her when they were led to the small window table by the hostess. After ordering their drinks and two slices of cake, there was a moment of silence where Yukino took the chance to study Haruka more closely. It seemed like so very long since she had seen her and she couldn't take in all the changes at first, the increase in height, the skin that was tanned, the blonde hair that was longer and had somehow become more wavy. There were changes, yes, but so many things remained the same, the eager smile, the bright violet eyes, the warm voice and that feeling of comfort which Haruka always leant with her presence. Those things hadn't changed in the least. "I've missed you," Yukino confessed quietly, reaching across the table to lace her fingers with Haruka's, smiling gently when the blonde blushed. "So much."
"I missed Yukino too," said Haruka gruffly, her eyes fixed on the table, poking at the lace cloth with her finger. "Writing isn't the same as seeing you every day. It's nowhere near as good but I know it's all we can do for now." Lifting her head, she puffed out her cheeks, shaking the brunette's hand lightly in her grip while said, "This is supposed to be a happy day! Tell me about your classes. Are you learning a lot?"
"I am," Yukino smiled, thinking about her schooling. "My favorite is International Economic Analysis, I enjoy how it focuses on the global economics of Earl rather than just Windbloom as a singular country. It helps to understand the fact that, whether we like it or not, all of the countries are linked together in their successes and failures."
"What about Grand Strategies of the Great Powers?" asked Haruka, her face screwing up slightly, looking uncertain if she had gotten the name of the class correctly. "How about that one? You got into an argument with your one professor, didn't you?"
"Professor Theissen," said Yukino, frowning. "I haven't gotten into a discussion quite as heated as the last one. I did speak to my academic advisor about what he said. He was obviously trying to influence the other students in the class with his own opinions about Aries."
"Told you we were pretty much traitors for breaking away from Artai, didn't he?" Haruka snorted, an obstinate look on her features. "And what did he say when you asked him if he'd bothered to read any of the historical texts from the Aries scholars about the wars?"
"No great mind ever comes from Aries," said Yukino and her frown deepened. A slight smile tugged on her features and she murmured, "I think it was right about then that I became very upset with him. It's one thing to dislike our democracy, it's another to insult our intelligence."
"Jackass doesn't know a thing about people from Aries," said Haruka bitterly. She tilted her head and offered a jaunty grin. "Yukino will teach him though, won't she? There's no way he'll think no great minds come from Aries after having her for a student."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name, tones echoing with a quiet pleasure, her cheeks red with a blush. Moving her thumb tenderly across the tanned skin of Haruka's hand, she murmured, "I want to hear about your training at Garderobe though. Won't you tell me? And about your roommate." A humorous look formed on Yukino's features and she said, "Her name can't really be bubuzuke, can it?"
"No," said Haruka with a scowl. "It's Shizuru Viola. I call her bubuzuke because of that damnable tea she's always drinking. I don't want to talk about her though. She's a thong in my side, always bothering me when I'm trying to study with her jokes and the teasing." Haruka's face turned darker and the scowl deeper as she muttered, "I'm going to win our bet though. Just you wait."
"Bet?" asked Yukino, her eyes going wide. "What bet, Haruka-chan? And I think you meant to say she's a thorn in your side."
"I know, I said that," said Haruka absently. Keeping her hold on Yukino, she lifted their joined hands in a dismissive wave. "Bubuzuke was driving me crazy with how perfect she acts, like she's better than everyone, so I challenged her, that's all."
"To what?" asked Yukino who was unable to hide the worry she suddenly felt. Rivalries were nothing new to Haruka, she had seen the blonde challenge countless people but that was before she entered the Otome academy and very dangerous powers were involved.
"A contest," Haruka grinned and looked altogether proud of herself. "To see who is better between the two of us." Her head turned as the waitress arrived and she beamed, thanking her as she laid down their cake and drinks in front of them. Cutting into her slice of strawberry cake with pink icing, something normally Yukino could never imagine Haruka ordering, the blonde offered it to the older girl. "Yukino," she said her name warmly, moving the fork towards the brunette. "Have a taste. I ordered it for you."
"Haruka-chan, you didn't have to do that," Yukino chided, trying her best to ignore the tempting cake being offered to her and the charming smile that Haruka wore, making her heart beat that much faster. "What will you eat?"
"I'll eat some of Yukino's chocolate cake," said Haruka easily. She formed something of a scowl and a pout, pushing her fork forward again, almost pressing it against the older girl's lips. "Come on," she wheedled. "Have a taste. I know you'll like it."
A blush tingeing her cheeks, Yukino ducked her head to take the piece of cake into her mouth, shivering when the fork slid from her lips and she met Haruka's smiling eyes. Chewing it slowly, she smiled when she finished eating and murmured, "Delicious."
"I'm glad," said Haruka quietly and Yukino froze as the other girl reached out, her touch light and fleeting on Yukino's skin as she brushed away a few stray crumbs from the cake that remained on her face. Yukino's head fell, unable to take the earnest power behind that gaze and she focused on her own slice of chocolate cake, cutting into it and lifting her fork to Haruka, offering it to her in a similar gesture. Forming a slow smile, Haruka chuckled and took a bite of the cake, wiping her own mouth with the back of her hand as she muttered, "It's good."
"Yes," said Yukino, her voice a bare whisper. "It is."
Once their cake was long gone and eaten, they made their way out of the café, arms hooked together and they set about exploring Wind City, Haruka relying on Yukino's knowledge since the brunette had spent more time in the city. They walked through the shopping district that had street vendors and small shops lining the streets and when they paused near a small florist Haruka recalled the longing look Yukino wore as she lightly touched the petals of one of the large sunflowers on display. Darting her eyes over to the brunette and seeing her busy inspecting the collection of books on display at a nearby shop, Haruka quickly purchased the flower before she quite knew why she was doing it. Maybe it was that smile Yukino wore or maybe it was just an impulse, she didn't know, but she bought the sunflower and she hid behind her back, walking over to the older girl and standing patiently behind her until Yukino turned to face her. The moment that the brunette did, Haruka produced the sunflower from behind her back, her cheeks hot and her jaw clenched. She didn't know quite what to say so she didn't say anything at all, Haruka was horrible with words, she knew that, actions were what she excelled at and that's why she simply thrust her offering of the flower at Yukino, trusting that somehow the older girl would understand the meaning.
"Thank you," Yukino murmured, taking the sunflower, wondering if Haruka knew the reason she loved this flower above all others was because it reminded her of the blonde. With its large and bright petals, there was something strangely proud and outgoing about it, and it was just like Haruka in its simple and honest beauty. Taking in the redness on the younger girl's cheeks, Yukino felt a great wave of affection overcome her and she chuckled, curling a lock of wavy blonde hair around her finger as she said, "Haruka-chan is terribly sweet."
At this remark, Haruka blustered and protested and Yukino allowed it because she knew it was Haruka's way, how she acted when she was embarrassed and didn't know how to act and just like the gift of the sunflower it was terribly sweet and just like her Haruka-chan. Taking Haruka's hand in her own, Yukino gently tugged her through the crowd, and they continued to inspect the small shops, one hand holding her gift of a flower and the other keeping a firm hold on the girl who had presented it to her with such loving intent.
Their wandering through Wind City brought them to the large and impressive park where they settled underneath a tree similar to the one which had been their usual meeting place at Yukino's house. In a strange reversal, Yukino found herself lying with her head in Haruka's lap, brought there by Haruka's crooked smile and her statement that she wanted to know what it felt like, having Yukino lie there. Green eyes fluttered shut as she felt callused fingertips brush their way through her short hair, running along her scalp, and Yukino thought there had never been a birthday as good as this. None of the expensive presents her parents got her could match up to spending this precious time with Haruka.
"I can see your school from my window," Haruka said and Yukino opened her eyes, peering up at the younger girl whose gaze was fixed in the distance, staring at the large west tower for Windbloom University. "I don't understand how you can be so close but seem so far away." She moved her violet eyes to Yukino, a self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips as she said, "I'm not smart enough to understand it."
"Don't say such things," said Yukino fiercely, pushing herself up, holding Haruka's face in her hands, looking firmly into her eyes. "You're smart, Haruka-chan. Smarter than people ever give you credit for and anyone who doesn't know it, they're the stupid ones."
"It's not bad, Yukino," said Haruka with an easy smile, placing her hands on top of the brunette's. "My parents taught me it's best to know what you're good at and what you're not and I know I'm not as smart as other people but I'm a lot stronger than them too and tougher. Those smarter people, they're going to need me to protect them someday and it makes me happy to know that. It gives me a purpose."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name in a kind of awe. The younger girl could be unexpectedly wise in the strangest ways and it never failed to shake the older girl to her core when Haruka had moments like this.
"Of course," Haruka declared strongly, though her hands were gentle as she pushed Yukino back into her lap, returning the brunette to her previous position, her fingertips sweeping tenderly though messy brown hair. "I work hard so I'll be Yukino's Otome. That's my goal, after all, and why I'm trying my best to become the highest ranked Coral in our class."
"What is your current rank?" asked Yukino, recalling the last time she had received a letter from Haruka it was No. 17 and she was ahead of her roommate who was at No. 18. A fact which pleased Haruka a great deal because she mentioned it frequently in the correspondence.
"No. 11, bubuzuke is No. 10," said Haruka, scowling heavily. Her hand squeezed into a fist, she lifted it in the air and her face was filled with certain determination as she declared, "I'll beat her though! I won't let her take the top prohibition forever."
"Top position," corrected Yukino affectionately, smiling up at Haruka. "I know you will, Haruka-chan. You always work so hard."
"She never seems to work," Haruka grumbled and she studied Yukino for a moment. "I don't like it," she admitted gruffly, though her hands were careful and soft as they played with the edge of the brunette's shirt. "She acts like everything comes so easy to her, has this perfect act she puts on, and it drives me crazy because I just know that's not who she really is. I don't get it, why somebody would act like something they're not. It seems like a huge waste of time. How can anyone know you when you're like that? Always pretending?"
"Maybe she's scared," offered Yukino and Haruka's eyebrows rose comically at this and Yukino giggled at the sight. "I know it seems like a ridiculous thought given the way you've told me she acts around you but it could be the truth. It would explain why she's reluctant to be herself."
"Maybe," muttered Haruka and she twisted Yukino's shirt in her hands before moving her gaze to lock with the brunette's. "I like how Yukino is best. She never pretends about anything. Everyone should be like that instead of how the stupid bubuzuke is."
"I like how Haruka-chan is best too," Yukino revealed, blushing darkly but meeting Haruka's gaze steadily.
It seemed to Yukino as if the sweetest, most tender, smile in the entire world passed over Haruka's features in that moment and her throat was suddenly dry and her heart was beating so fast, enough that she thought her chest might explode from it, then she felt those fingertips, rough from hard work and training that were always so very gentle on her, sweep across her cheek. "We're best for each other," Haruka said this with the utmost confidence and Yukino felt the urge to cry because she knew the blonde didn't realize what those words would mean to her. Those words, they were the truth though, that was all that Haruka knew how to speak and for that she was grateful.
The afternoon was shifting into the evening when they had to part company, Haruka insisting on walking Yukino to Windbloom University, inspecting the grounds with curious and gleaming eyes. She pulled Yukino to her for one last hug, her voice warm and husky in Yukino's ear as she wished her birthday again before turning on her heel and running off, pausing at the gate to shout happy birthday one more time before she disappeared into the crowd and while she was surrounded by hundreds of her fellow students Yukino suddenly felt horribly alone without Haruka at her side. Although that feeling didn't last long as she took in the sight of her roommate, Rin, who had apparently witnessed the entire exchange with Haruka along with other members of their dorm study group.
Something that caused Yukino to heave a small sigh of exasperation.
---
From the instant that Yukino knew Rin had seen her goodbye with Haruka, she resigned herself to the fact that her roommate would hound her about the details of their relationship. Rin knew vaguely of Haruka, that she was a student at Garderobe and they had been friends since they were small children but that was it. Those few stolen moments she witnessed told the inquisitive redhead far more about their relationship than the younger girl would have liked, especially since she wasn't entirely comfortable with admitting such things to herself much less others.
Still, her roommate wouldn't let up, and one night, when they had been up particularly late studying and Yukino was entirely weary and didn't have the energy to maintain her usual endless excuses, she simply gave in and replied honestly, "I think I'm in love with her."
Yukino didn't know what she really expected Rin to do but she hadn't expected the sympathetic and knowing look in her eyes. The redhead stretched her legs out on the couch, lying down to peer at Yukino who remained sitting on the floor. "Have you told her?" asked Rin.
"No," Yukino shook her head and looked vaguely horrified at the thought. "I said, I think, Rin. I can't tell Haruka-chan until I know." Her cheeks turned red at the thought of confessing to Haruka, imagining the blonde's response, and she added, "Maybe not even then. I know she doesn't think of me that way and I couldn't bear to lose her friendship. We've been together so long and our promise…"
"What promise?" asked Rin, gazing at Yukino in concern.
"It's silly," insisted Yukino, shaking her head, not wanting to divulge something so private, something between only her and Haruka.
"Somehow I doubt it's silly if it's a promise you made, Yukino," said Rin dryly. "You're not the silly type."
Chuckling quietly at this, Yukino gave a murmur of assent then said, "You know how Haruka-chan is studying to become an Otome? This was something she's wanted since she was five years old, it became her dream after she saw her mother saved by Meister Blomquist. We became friends when she was seven and together we read The Heart Of An Otome and after that, Haruka-chan thought up the idea that when she became an Otome I would be her Master. We were just children but we made a promise and even now, we're working towards it." Rin kept her eyes on Yukino and somehow, under their inspection, Yukino felt entirely vulnerable, as if she was easily seen through. "Most people would think it's foolish, the two of us working for something we promised as children without knowing any better but it feels so right. I can't imagine things being any different and I want to have Haruka-chan with me always, strange as that might sound."
"Yukino," Rin said her name in a caring sort of reprimand. "You don't need to think about anything. Trust me, you're in love with her."
Her blush returning, Yukino picked at their carpeted floor and murmured, "I can't tell Haruka-chan though. She wouldn't understand."
"Why do you say that?" asked Rin, honestly perplexed. "I only saw a little bit of how she was with you but it's obvious she adores you, Yukino. The girl didn't even try to hide how she felt, it was right out there for everyone to see."
"That's just how Haruka-chan is," Yukino replied, shaking her head sadly. "She'd deny it but she's the sweetest person you could know."
"It seems to me that if she wants to devote her life to protecting and serving you then she cares a hell of a lot about you," Rin reasoned, pushing herself up into a sitting position. "You said she wanted to be an Otome before she met you, that it was her dream, but after she met you, she changed that dream, didn't she? Suddenly you became a huge part of it and that tells me you're obviously important to her."
"I know that," said Yukino softly. "But it isn't the same thing as being in love with me, Rin. Besides," she said with more than a little exasperation. "Haruka-chan just turned thirteen and sweet as she is, she isn't the fastest person when it comes to understanding emotions. It would just complicate things needlessly if I said anything to her now. Trust me," Yukino sighed. "It's not the right time."
"When exactly would the right time be?" pursued Rin skeptically.
"I don't know," murmured Yukino, looking away from Rin and rising to her feet. "It isn't now though."
Heading to her room, Yukino ignored her roommate's protest to this statement, quietly closing her door behind her and her eyes fixing on the sunflower Haruka had given her, walking over to and lightly stroking the soft petals of the flower. It didn't matter what Rin said, she knew she was right, Haruka wasn't old enough to grasp things like being in love. She might understand the basic concept but the feelings behind it, the things that Yukino experienced when she was with the blonde, the slow burning desire and need, she knew that they weren't reciprocated.
Trying to explain them would only frighten Haruka away and she didn't want that. Besides, whatever sort of pain this brought her, these feelings she had for Haruka, she would never rid herself of them because somewhere deep in her heart she knew one day they would be returned. That time just hadn't reached them yet but it someday it would and Yukino could only wish that it would arrive soon.
To be continued...
SERIES: My Otome
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Haruka/Yukino.
SUMMARY: Haruka Armitage and Yukino Chrysant have done everything in their lives for a common purpose with a shared intent.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fitted New Era STL Cardinals baseball cap.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Nada.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Five
Out of all the classes Haruka had to take at Garderobe the one that she enjoyed the least was Otome Etiquette. It was a class which focused on the manners an Otome was meant to develop. How they should act with their Master and the proper rules of behavior for all of the known cultures of Earl. The class was much ado about putting on fake airs, pretending and preening, things Haruka didn't like in the slightest and wasn't the littlest bit good at. Fortunately, it was taught by Miss Yukariko, who was a far more understanding and gentle instructor than Miss Maria and she tended to have sympathy for people she could tell were trying but just not doing as well. This aided in Haruka's slow but steady progress in the course.
Currently they were sitting through an example of the elaborate tea ceremonies they had in Zipang and Haruka grimaced at the numb tingling sensation that was running through her feet and slowly up both her legs. They had been sitting in the same awkward position for the past forty five minutes as the ceremony went on and Haruka was ready to scream out in frustration. Instead she gritted her teeth and tried to wiggle her toes to wake them up again, sighing quietly when she felt some feeling return to her feet.
Subtly glancing over at Shizuru and seeing the brunette maintaining her perfect posture and a stoic expression, Haruka had to control the urge to scowl. Of course her roommate was good at this kind of thing. Where you had to hold back who you were and put on an air of quiet calm and repress practically all emotion. This was a class practically made for Shizuru and that's probably part of why Haruka did so very badly in it. They hadn't been together at Garderobe long, just over a month, but already Haruka knew her roommate was going to give her the greatest challenge out of all the other students at the academy.
What frustrated Haruka the most were the things she struggled at and had to work her hardest towards, such as Otome Etiquette, Shizuru breezed through as if it were nothing and the things that Haruka excelled at Shizuru never appeared to have difficulty with. Never appeared to but Haruka watched Shizuru closer than she did others because she considered her competition, a challenge, and she saw that her strengths were Shizuru's weaknesses and vice versa. They were opposites in almost every way and realizing this, Haruka came to the conclusion as much as the other girl might annoy her, it was a good thing to have her around, simply because competing against Shizuru forced Haruka to improve on the things she was poor at rather than just focusing on her strengths. This would only help to increase her abilities as an Otome and make her a more well rounded fighter.
Although she couldn't help the relief she felt when Otome Etiquette was dismissed and they moved onto the next class of the day. Fighting Tactics tended to be disliked by most of the Coral students simply because Miss Maria was its longtime instructor and she wasn't exactly the easiest person to learn from. It wasn't that she was unclear in her teaching but to say she was strict in her methods would be a vast understatement to say the least. Haruka enjoyed the class and Miss Maria as an instructor though. She appreciated the way Miss Maria got quickly to the point and didn't mince words, it reminded Haruka of her parents and how they taught her self defense and fighting skills.
They never failed to tell Haruka when she had done something wrong as much as when she did something right. Miss Maria was the same and Haruka hardly thought it was her fault that a good deal of her Coral students got things wrong more than right and therefore received less praise than they were probably used to. It made Haruka scowl to think of it, that was the another thing she despised, people feeling as if they were entitled to something. Haruka was taught everything in life had to be earned, you just weren't given things on a silver platter, you had to work for them first and it bothered her that some Corals disliked Miss Maria because she lived by that edict.
Having an attitude like that would never help them become an Otome, of that Haruka was certain. As much as time seemed to drag whenever she was in Otome Etiquette it passed at an enormously fast pace when she was in Fighting Tactics. Before Haruka knew it the hour was over and they were trudging off to the collective showers before those in charge of the evening meal had to start preparations. Haruka was shifting her neck from side to side and turning in a twist when Miss Maria called her name. Pausing in her warm down routine, the blonde ran over to her instructor and looked at her with expectant eyes, waiting for whatever compliment or criticism that would come.
"You excel in hand to hand combat," Miss Maria began and Haruka couldn't help but smile widely on hearing this.
"My parents trained me," informed Haruka proudly, threading her hands behind her back and rocking back on her heels. "Since I was small."
"Tell them they did a fine job of it," said Miss Maria, a hint of a smile pushing at her lips.
"I will!" Haruka said enthusiastically, nodding her head, and she turned to go but Miss Maria stopped her with what she said next.
"You're more advanced than the rest of your class in fighting skills, nearly at Pearl level," Miss Maria remarked. "You're more than ready to advance onto using weapons in your sparring. If you like, I could provide you with additional training."
There was a moment of disbelief and then Haruka's confidence, almost always ever present, reemerged and she grinned largely, looking thrilled with this development, nodding her head as she said, "I'd like that."
"Good," said Miss Maria and she paused for a second, appearing to contemplate. "Miss Viola is almost at your level. Invite her if you like. Our sessions will begin tomorrow morning, an hour before the first class of the day, on the south lawn."
With that, Miss Maria was gone, and Haruka was left blinking in confusion. The extra training was meant for her, wasn't it? Why should she have to invite Shizuru? Shaking her head and scowling, Haruka ignored the need to shower and wandered about the grounds, lost in thought and wondering what she should do. She was convinced out of everyone in Garderobe her biggest competition came from her roommate and that being so, it hardly made sense to aid Shizuru in getting better, did it? Then again, it wasn't fair, her taking the extra training solely for herself when Miss Maria extended the invitation to Shizuru as well and what sort of victory would it be if Haruka beat Shizuru when she wasn't at her best? A hollow one for sure that would say nothing about her own skills.
Tromping back to the dorm, Haruka flung the door open and shut it with a bang, greeted by Shizuru turning in her chair from where she sat at her desk and raising a fine brown eyebrow. Immediately Haruka was struck with the desire to shut her mouth and not say anything about the extra training but she'd already made up her mind that it wouldn't be right to do that and when Haruka made up her mind on something she never swayed from the decision. Unless Yukino was involved, of course.
"Miss Maria offered to give us extra combat training," Haruka stated, flopping down on the bed, and tugging off her shoes. She tossed them behind her bed, concentrating on not looking at Shizuru. "They start tomorrow on the south lawn an hour before classes begin."
Silence except for the small squeak of a chair being pushed back then Haruka felt the light touch of fingertips on her jaw and she peered up at Shizuru who was looking at her with smiling eyes. The expression she wore wasn't that false one she often had, the one that Haruka so despised, instead it was something genuine and while there was that infernal teasing there was gratitude too.
"Haruka-san means to say Miss Maria offered it to her first, did she not?" asked Shizuru gently.
Her cheeks hot with embarrassment, Haruka's jaw clenched and she purposefully looked away from Shizuru. "Maybe," Haruka grunted, shaking her head and causing Shizuru's fingertips to fall from her face. "She still invited both of us."
"But Haruka-san didn't have to tell me this," Shizuru pointed out logically and Haruka scowled, turning her attention to the other girl. Raising an eyebrow at Haruka's fierce expression, Shizuru explained, "It does grant a great advantage and Haruka-san wants to be the best."
"Not that way," Haruka growled the words more than said them. "That's no way to win. It's got no honor and I wouldn't want it. Doing that sorta thing, that's what someone who doesn't have guts would do, someone afraid to fight against real competition. I do want to be the best, the No. 1 Coral, but I'm going to do it square and fair."
"Fair and square," corrected Shizuru, her tones lightly teasing but also fond, a smile playing on her lips.
"That's what I said!" insisted Haruka, scowling deeply, and turning to look at Shizuru who was suddenly very close to her. "What?" she grumbled, instinctively scooting away from her roommate. She never got this close to anyone unless it was in a fight or the person was Yukino. Of course, when it was Yukino, she never had the urge to scoot away. Haruka liked being close to her. "What do you want?"
"Haruka-san is a very kind person, isn't she?" Shizuru murmured, taking a lock of Haruka's hair in between her index finger and thumb and rubbing it thoughtfully. Tilting her head to one side, she observed her quietly then said, "I think I'm lucky to have her for a roommate."
"You talk too much," Haruka accused and she shoved herself away from Shizuru, not liking her being so close, and stood up to stare at the brunette who remained sitting on her bed. "An Otome should be about action!" Haruka declared, pointing at Shizuru.
"Oh?" inquired Shizuru softly. "What if actions can't fix things, what then? Shouldn't one think things through?"
"The right actions always can and thinking just makes complications," said Haruka confidently, puffing her cheeks out, folding her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Shizuru then an idea occurred to her, a smile spreading across her features as she considered it. "We'll have a contest," she announced, sounding very pleased with herself, placing her hands on her hips. "You and me, until we graduate and become Meisters, to see who's got the best fighting style. Me with my action and you with your thinking."
"How do we determine who wins?" asked Shizuru curiously.
"Ranking, individual battles, grades," Haruka offered with a shrug. "Why?" she formed a boastful sort of grin. "You're not scared to compete against me, are you? I'm a lot stronger than you, I did punch you halfway across the field today in class."
Rust colored eyes became lidded and Haruka swore she saw a spark in them, something dangerous, and rather than being scared of it, she found herself incredibly pleased because it was yet another real emotion from her roommate and not her perfect facade she liked to keep up. "I am nothing of the sort," said Shizuru coolly. "If a competition is what Haruka-san wants than a competition is what she shall get."
"Great!" Haruka beamed and she thrust her hand at Shizuru. "Let's shake on it."
Shizuru paused, seeming perplexed by this offer, but then she slowly smiled and took Haruka's hand, shaking it gently and instead of releasing her grip, she tugged the blonde to her in a smooth movement and looked up into violet eyes. "Haruka-san," she breathed but her gaze held a hard glint to it that caused Haruka to offer a reckless and wild grin in return. "I will win."
"You wish," drawled Haruka, squeezing Shizuru's hand hard, and meeting her challenge head on.
---
Training with Miss Maria progressed quickly, moving from the basic staffs onto naginatas, halberds, and even a mace and chain, something that Haruka was terribly excited about as it was similar to the weapon used by Meister Blomquist. Whenever an Otome inherited a GEM they had little changes to the robe and weaponry it came with but they did shift, the look of the robe and sometimes even the style of the weapon was slightly altered due to the new Meister gaining control. Haruka wondered when Meister Blomquist retired, what would the new user of the Continental Orb Topaz be like. Meister Blomquist was a legend in Aries, having served three Presidents for thirty two years, currently serving her fourth. It was almost impossible to see someone other than her possessing that GEM but Haruka knew it would one day it would happen.
It had nothing to do with her goals though, Haruka wanted to serve Yukino, to be her Otome. Though she wasn't nearly as clever as Yukino, particularly in the realm of politics, she knew it would be impossible for the brunette to graduate Windbloom University and be able to become a candidate for President. First she would have to earn her way through the ranks, working for the Mayor of Caeles perhaps, or in the Senate. That was where Haruka imagined her assignment as an Otome at the start, not within the depths of The Hexagon, working for the President. She saw that happening far into the future, once Yukino established herself.
The challenge that Haruka had made to Shizuru seemed to somehow light a fire in the other girl, Haruka had never seen her roommate so determined and focused, and Haruka wondered if making the bet was really the smartest thing for her. Especially when she faced so many defeats from Shizuru. Though for every defeat she learned something new and she came back the next instance stronger than ever and knocking Shizuru down, causing real emotion to form on the brunette's face when she admitted a loss to Haruka.
Though she teased and got far too close for Haruka's comfort, Shizuru was assisting Haruka with her more troublesome classes such as Otome Etiquette, helping her learn how to hold a tea cup in just the right way and how to sit in the perfect position for this and that ceremony. Of course, there were countless times where their neighbors in the dorm heard the blonde's loud cursing and the inevitable smash of china against the wall from these tutoring sessions but in the end, Haruka managed to improve in the class. Although Haruka often considered that Shizuru's help was something akin to torture than anything actually quite useful.
All too quickly they advanced through the Coral ranks with Shizuru at No. 10 and Haruka following close behind at No. 11. They shifted throughout the weeks, one advancing over the other, and right now Shizuru was winning. Haruka vowed that she would beat her again though and advance to a rank higher than Shizuru. She had yet to discover the brunette's reason for wanting to become an Otome but somehow she thought it wouldn't be as good as her own and she had a promise to keep, a promise made to Yukino, which made it the most important kind and that meant she had to do her very best and rank as high as she could.
Haruka doubted anything Shizuru came up with could be as important as Yukino.
On the weekends, their training time shifted to the early afternoon with Miss Maria, and as soon as they returned to the dorms, Haruka flung open the closet to change into a fresh uniform. She hopped around the dorm, pulling off her stockings and shoes to replace them with a clean pair. Shizuru observed her roommate with quiet amusement, perched on Haruka's bed, something that relentlessly annoyed the blonde so it was something that Shizuru was sure to do often. Resting her chin in the palm of her hand and a smile curving on her lips as she observed Haruka's harried changing, Shizuru murmured, "Ara, is it just me or is Haruka-san in a rush? Does she have an important date perhaps?"
"Shut up!" Haruka ordered, still hopping on one foot as she tugged off her stocking and flung it in Shizuru's direction. Once she had the new pair on, she dashed back over to the closet and put on her new uniform. Tugging it into place, she muttered, "It's none of your business."
"Haruka-san does have a date then," Shizuru said, sounding most intrigued. "With who? Not an oneesama? It's unusual for a Coral to have permission to leave the Garderobe grounds, even if they are as dedicated as Haruka-san. Perhaps she has a date with an influential Pearl?"
Slamming the closet shut and giving Shizuru a hard glare, Haruka declared, "I don't and the Principal said I could leave campus."
"Oh?" questioned Shizuru, lifting an eyebrow. "For what?"
"I told you, it's none of your business," Haruka muttered, gathering up her wallet, shoving it into the pocket of her skirt and smoothing out her uniform one last time before ruining this work by dashing out the door. "I got somewhere important to be, unlike you!"
With that, the door slammed shut, and Shizuru sighed, sinking back onto Haruka's bed and staring up at the ceiling. "So it seems," she said in soft whisper to herself, rust colored eyes reflecting a touch of sadness.
---
Taking away the time she first arrived at Garderobe for the entrance exam and then her return to the school for admission, Haruka hadn't spent any time in Wind City. It was true, what Shizuru said, a Coral student being allowed to leave the Garderobe campus wasn't the easiest thing to accomplish but with the help of Miss Maria and a very impassioned plea to the Principal, Haruka had managed it, and just in time to celebrate Yukino's fifteenth birthday. Wind City was bustling and full of people, crowds, and noises. They were all things that Haruka disliked with a certain passion but she would put up with all of that and more if it meant she could see Yukino again.
Dashing through the city, darting in between the people, Haruka ran towards the small café she arranged as a meeting place, standing in front of it and raising herself up on her toes, searching for Yukino in the sea of people. Eventually she spotted the familiar sight of a messy brown head of hair and lowering herself onto her feet, Haruka pushed her way through the people, biting back the annoyance she felt and wearing a wide grin when she saw Yukino. The moment she spotted the older girl, Haruka felt a great swell of happiness and calling out her name, she swept Yukino up in her arms for a hug, laughing when the brunette clung to her, saying her name with shy affection.
"Happy birthday," Haruka said breathlessly, lowering Yukino to the ground, smiling eagerly.
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name in a happy murmur, returning the smile. Her eyes ran the length of the younger girl's body, marveling at the changes that occurred in the five months they hadn't seen each other. Haruka was nearly a head taller than her and while she had always been in stupendous shape thanks to her training there was a sharp sort of look to her that she didn't have before. Something almost dangerous in the tone of muscles, something further setting her apart, telling those who saw her she was a student of Garderobe. "You've gotten so tall," said Yukino softly, touching the planes of Haruka's face tenderly. "How have your classes been going?"
"Good," said Haruka with a grunt. She wore a grin and wagged a finger at Yukino as she said, "But no more stuff about me. It's Yukino's birthday, today should be about her. I made sure I could spend the entire afternoon with you in Wind City so we have to celebrate."
"Being with Haruka-chan is celebration enough," Yukino insisted, truly feeling that was the truth of the matter. Though they had written one another daily and had conversations on the phone it wasn't the same as being together in person. Just knowing she would be able to spend the entire day with Haruka was enough of a present for Yukino. She didn't need anything else to make her happy.
Screwing up her face in disbelief, Haruka shook her head and grabbed Yukino's hand, tugging her into the café. "This place has got really good cakes, that's what my bubuzuke of a roommate says, we should try them," Haruka said. "I'll get strawberry and you can have the chocolate, we'll share and that way Yukino can have both her favorites. I'm paying too, Yukino can't pay for anything on her birthday."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name in a happy sigh, following after the younger girl and blushing when the blonde pulled her chair out for her when they were led to the small window table by the hostess. After ordering their drinks and two slices of cake, there was a moment of silence where Yukino took the chance to study Haruka more closely. It seemed like so very long since she had seen her and she couldn't take in all the changes at first, the increase in height, the skin that was tanned, the blonde hair that was longer and had somehow become more wavy. There were changes, yes, but so many things remained the same, the eager smile, the bright violet eyes, the warm voice and that feeling of comfort which Haruka always leant with her presence. Those things hadn't changed in the least. "I've missed you," Yukino confessed quietly, reaching across the table to lace her fingers with Haruka's, smiling gently when the blonde blushed. "So much."
"I missed Yukino too," said Haruka gruffly, her eyes fixed on the table, poking at the lace cloth with her finger. "Writing isn't the same as seeing you every day. It's nowhere near as good but I know it's all we can do for now." Lifting her head, she puffed out her cheeks, shaking the brunette's hand lightly in her grip while said, "This is supposed to be a happy day! Tell me about your classes. Are you learning a lot?"
"I am," Yukino smiled, thinking about her schooling. "My favorite is International Economic Analysis, I enjoy how it focuses on the global economics of Earl rather than just Windbloom as a singular country. It helps to understand the fact that, whether we like it or not, all of the countries are linked together in their successes and failures."
"What about Grand Strategies of the Great Powers?" asked Haruka, her face screwing up slightly, looking uncertain if she had gotten the name of the class correctly. "How about that one? You got into an argument with your one professor, didn't you?"
"Professor Theissen," said Yukino, frowning. "I haven't gotten into a discussion quite as heated as the last one. I did speak to my academic advisor about what he said. He was obviously trying to influence the other students in the class with his own opinions about Aries."
"Told you we were pretty much traitors for breaking away from Artai, didn't he?" Haruka snorted, an obstinate look on her features. "And what did he say when you asked him if he'd bothered to read any of the historical texts from the Aries scholars about the wars?"
"No great mind ever comes from Aries," said Yukino and her frown deepened. A slight smile tugged on her features and she murmured, "I think it was right about then that I became very upset with him. It's one thing to dislike our democracy, it's another to insult our intelligence."
"Jackass doesn't know a thing about people from Aries," said Haruka bitterly. She tilted her head and offered a jaunty grin. "Yukino will teach him though, won't she? There's no way he'll think no great minds come from Aries after having her for a student."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name, tones echoing with a quiet pleasure, her cheeks red with a blush. Moving her thumb tenderly across the tanned skin of Haruka's hand, she murmured, "I want to hear about your training at Garderobe though. Won't you tell me? And about your roommate." A humorous look formed on Yukino's features and she said, "Her name can't really be bubuzuke, can it?"
"No," said Haruka with a scowl. "It's Shizuru Viola. I call her bubuzuke because of that damnable tea she's always drinking. I don't want to talk about her though. She's a thong in my side, always bothering me when I'm trying to study with her jokes and the teasing." Haruka's face turned darker and the scowl deeper as she muttered, "I'm going to win our bet though. Just you wait."
"Bet?" asked Yukino, her eyes going wide. "What bet, Haruka-chan? And I think you meant to say she's a thorn in your side."
"I know, I said that," said Haruka absently. Keeping her hold on Yukino, she lifted their joined hands in a dismissive wave. "Bubuzuke was driving me crazy with how perfect she acts, like she's better than everyone, so I challenged her, that's all."
"To what?" asked Yukino who was unable to hide the worry she suddenly felt. Rivalries were nothing new to Haruka, she had seen the blonde challenge countless people but that was before she entered the Otome academy and very dangerous powers were involved.
"A contest," Haruka grinned and looked altogether proud of herself. "To see who is better between the two of us." Her head turned as the waitress arrived and she beamed, thanking her as she laid down their cake and drinks in front of them. Cutting into her slice of strawberry cake with pink icing, something normally Yukino could never imagine Haruka ordering, the blonde offered it to the older girl. "Yukino," she said her name warmly, moving the fork towards the brunette. "Have a taste. I ordered it for you."
"Haruka-chan, you didn't have to do that," Yukino chided, trying her best to ignore the tempting cake being offered to her and the charming smile that Haruka wore, making her heart beat that much faster. "What will you eat?"
"I'll eat some of Yukino's chocolate cake," said Haruka easily. She formed something of a scowl and a pout, pushing her fork forward again, almost pressing it against the older girl's lips. "Come on," she wheedled. "Have a taste. I know you'll like it."
A blush tingeing her cheeks, Yukino ducked her head to take the piece of cake into her mouth, shivering when the fork slid from her lips and she met Haruka's smiling eyes. Chewing it slowly, she smiled when she finished eating and murmured, "Delicious."
"I'm glad," said Haruka quietly and Yukino froze as the other girl reached out, her touch light and fleeting on Yukino's skin as she brushed away a few stray crumbs from the cake that remained on her face. Yukino's head fell, unable to take the earnest power behind that gaze and she focused on her own slice of chocolate cake, cutting into it and lifting her fork to Haruka, offering it to her in a similar gesture. Forming a slow smile, Haruka chuckled and took a bite of the cake, wiping her own mouth with the back of her hand as she muttered, "It's good."
"Yes," said Yukino, her voice a bare whisper. "It is."
Once their cake was long gone and eaten, they made their way out of the café, arms hooked together and they set about exploring Wind City, Haruka relying on Yukino's knowledge since the brunette had spent more time in the city. They walked through the shopping district that had street vendors and small shops lining the streets and when they paused near a small florist Haruka recalled the longing look Yukino wore as she lightly touched the petals of one of the large sunflowers on display. Darting her eyes over to the brunette and seeing her busy inspecting the collection of books on display at a nearby shop, Haruka quickly purchased the flower before she quite knew why she was doing it. Maybe it was that smile Yukino wore or maybe it was just an impulse, she didn't know, but she bought the sunflower and she hid behind her back, walking over to the older girl and standing patiently behind her until Yukino turned to face her. The moment that the brunette did, Haruka produced the sunflower from behind her back, her cheeks hot and her jaw clenched. She didn't know quite what to say so she didn't say anything at all, Haruka was horrible with words, she knew that, actions were what she excelled at and that's why she simply thrust her offering of the flower at Yukino, trusting that somehow the older girl would understand the meaning.
"Thank you," Yukino murmured, taking the sunflower, wondering if Haruka knew the reason she loved this flower above all others was because it reminded her of the blonde. With its large and bright petals, there was something strangely proud and outgoing about it, and it was just like Haruka in its simple and honest beauty. Taking in the redness on the younger girl's cheeks, Yukino felt a great wave of affection overcome her and she chuckled, curling a lock of wavy blonde hair around her finger as she said, "Haruka-chan is terribly sweet."
At this remark, Haruka blustered and protested and Yukino allowed it because she knew it was Haruka's way, how she acted when she was embarrassed and didn't know how to act and just like the gift of the sunflower it was terribly sweet and just like her Haruka-chan. Taking Haruka's hand in her own, Yukino gently tugged her through the crowd, and they continued to inspect the small shops, one hand holding her gift of a flower and the other keeping a firm hold on the girl who had presented it to her with such loving intent.
Their wandering through Wind City brought them to the large and impressive park where they settled underneath a tree similar to the one which had been their usual meeting place at Yukino's house. In a strange reversal, Yukino found herself lying with her head in Haruka's lap, brought there by Haruka's crooked smile and her statement that she wanted to know what it felt like, having Yukino lie there. Green eyes fluttered shut as she felt callused fingertips brush their way through her short hair, running along her scalp, and Yukino thought there had never been a birthday as good as this. None of the expensive presents her parents got her could match up to spending this precious time with Haruka.
"I can see your school from my window," Haruka said and Yukino opened her eyes, peering up at the younger girl whose gaze was fixed in the distance, staring at the large west tower for Windbloom University. "I don't understand how you can be so close but seem so far away." She moved her violet eyes to Yukino, a self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips as she said, "I'm not smart enough to understand it."
"Don't say such things," said Yukino fiercely, pushing herself up, holding Haruka's face in her hands, looking firmly into her eyes. "You're smart, Haruka-chan. Smarter than people ever give you credit for and anyone who doesn't know it, they're the stupid ones."
"It's not bad, Yukino," said Haruka with an easy smile, placing her hands on top of the brunette's. "My parents taught me it's best to know what you're good at and what you're not and I know I'm not as smart as other people but I'm a lot stronger than them too and tougher. Those smarter people, they're going to need me to protect them someday and it makes me happy to know that. It gives me a purpose."
"Haruka-chan," Yukino said her name in a kind of awe. The younger girl could be unexpectedly wise in the strangest ways and it never failed to shake the older girl to her core when Haruka had moments like this.
"Of course," Haruka declared strongly, though her hands were gentle as she pushed Yukino back into her lap, returning the brunette to her previous position, her fingertips sweeping tenderly though messy brown hair. "I work hard so I'll be Yukino's Otome. That's my goal, after all, and why I'm trying my best to become the highest ranked Coral in our class."
"What is your current rank?" asked Yukino, recalling the last time she had received a letter from Haruka it was No. 17 and she was ahead of her roommate who was at No. 18. A fact which pleased Haruka a great deal because she mentioned it frequently in the correspondence.
"No. 11, bubuzuke is No. 10," said Haruka, scowling heavily. Her hand squeezed into a fist, she lifted it in the air and her face was filled with certain determination as she declared, "I'll beat her though! I won't let her take the top prohibition forever."
"Top position," corrected Yukino affectionately, smiling up at Haruka. "I know you will, Haruka-chan. You always work so hard."
"She never seems to work," Haruka grumbled and she studied Yukino for a moment. "I don't like it," she admitted gruffly, though her hands were careful and soft as they played with the edge of the brunette's shirt. "She acts like everything comes so easy to her, has this perfect act she puts on, and it drives me crazy because I just know that's not who she really is. I don't get it, why somebody would act like something they're not. It seems like a huge waste of time. How can anyone know you when you're like that? Always pretending?"
"Maybe she's scared," offered Yukino and Haruka's eyebrows rose comically at this and Yukino giggled at the sight. "I know it seems like a ridiculous thought given the way you've told me she acts around you but it could be the truth. It would explain why she's reluctant to be herself."
"Maybe," muttered Haruka and she twisted Yukino's shirt in her hands before moving her gaze to lock with the brunette's. "I like how Yukino is best. She never pretends about anything. Everyone should be like that instead of how the stupid bubuzuke is."
"I like how Haruka-chan is best too," Yukino revealed, blushing darkly but meeting Haruka's gaze steadily.
It seemed to Yukino as if the sweetest, most tender, smile in the entire world passed over Haruka's features in that moment and her throat was suddenly dry and her heart was beating so fast, enough that she thought her chest might explode from it, then she felt those fingertips, rough from hard work and training that were always so very gentle on her, sweep across her cheek. "We're best for each other," Haruka said this with the utmost confidence and Yukino felt the urge to cry because she knew the blonde didn't realize what those words would mean to her. Those words, they were the truth though, that was all that Haruka knew how to speak and for that she was grateful.
The afternoon was shifting into the evening when they had to part company, Haruka insisting on walking Yukino to Windbloom University, inspecting the grounds with curious and gleaming eyes. She pulled Yukino to her for one last hug, her voice warm and husky in Yukino's ear as she wished her birthday again before turning on her heel and running off, pausing at the gate to shout happy birthday one more time before she disappeared into the crowd and while she was surrounded by hundreds of her fellow students Yukino suddenly felt horribly alone without Haruka at her side. Although that feeling didn't last long as she took in the sight of her roommate, Rin, who had apparently witnessed the entire exchange with Haruka along with other members of their dorm study group.
Something that caused Yukino to heave a small sigh of exasperation.
---
From the instant that Yukino knew Rin had seen her goodbye with Haruka, she resigned herself to the fact that her roommate would hound her about the details of their relationship. Rin knew vaguely of Haruka, that she was a student at Garderobe and they had been friends since they were small children but that was it. Those few stolen moments she witnessed told the inquisitive redhead far more about their relationship than the younger girl would have liked, especially since she wasn't entirely comfortable with admitting such things to herself much less others.
Still, her roommate wouldn't let up, and one night, when they had been up particularly late studying and Yukino was entirely weary and didn't have the energy to maintain her usual endless excuses, she simply gave in and replied honestly, "I think I'm in love with her."
Yukino didn't know what she really expected Rin to do but she hadn't expected the sympathetic and knowing look in her eyes. The redhead stretched her legs out on the couch, lying down to peer at Yukino who remained sitting on the floor. "Have you told her?" asked Rin.
"No," Yukino shook her head and looked vaguely horrified at the thought. "I said, I think, Rin. I can't tell Haruka-chan until I know." Her cheeks turned red at the thought of confessing to Haruka, imagining the blonde's response, and she added, "Maybe not even then. I know she doesn't think of me that way and I couldn't bear to lose her friendship. We've been together so long and our promise…"
"What promise?" asked Rin, gazing at Yukino in concern.
"It's silly," insisted Yukino, shaking her head, not wanting to divulge something so private, something between only her and Haruka.
"Somehow I doubt it's silly if it's a promise you made, Yukino," said Rin dryly. "You're not the silly type."
Chuckling quietly at this, Yukino gave a murmur of assent then said, "You know how Haruka-chan is studying to become an Otome? This was something she's wanted since she was five years old, it became her dream after she saw her mother saved by Meister Blomquist. We became friends when she was seven and together we read The Heart Of An Otome and after that, Haruka-chan thought up the idea that when she became an Otome I would be her Master. We were just children but we made a promise and even now, we're working towards it." Rin kept her eyes on Yukino and somehow, under their inspection, Yukino felt entirely vulnerable, as if she was easily seen through. "Most people would think it's foolish, the two of us working for something we promised as children without knowing any better but it feels so right. I can't imagine things being any different and I want to have Haruka-chan with me always, strange as that might sound."
"Yukino," Rin said her name in a caring sort of reprimand. "You don't need to think about anything. Trust me, you're in love with her."
Her blush returning, Yukino picked at their carpeted floor and murmured, "I can't tell Haruka-chan though. She wouldn't understand."
"Why do you say that?" asked Rin, honestly perplexed. "I only saw a little bit of how she was with you but it's obvious she adores you, Yukino. The girl didn't even try to hide how she felt, it was right out there for everyone to see."
"That's just how Haruka-chan is," Yukino replied, shaking her head sadly. "She'd deny it but she's the sweetest person you could know."
"It seems to me that if she wants to devote her life to protecting and serving you then she cares a hell of a lot about you," Rin reasoned, pushing herself up into a sitting position. "You said she wanted to be an Otome before she met you, that it was her dream, but after she met you, she changed that dream, didn't she? Suddenly you became a huge part of it and that tells me you're obviously important to her."
"I know that," said Yukino softly. "But it isn't the same thing as being in love with me, Rin. Besides," she said with more than a little exasperation. "Haruka-chan just turned thirteen and sweet as she is, she isn't the fastest person when it comes to understanding emotions. It would just complicate things needlessly if I said anything to her now. Trust me," Yukino sighed. "It's not the right time."
"When exactly would the right time be?" pursued Rin skeptically.
"I don't know," murmured Yukino, looking away from Rin and rising to her feet. "It isn't now though."
Heading to her room, Yukino ignored her roommate's protest to this statement, quietly closing her door behind her and her eyes fixing on the sunflower Haruka had given her, walking over to and lightly stroking the soft petals of the flower. It didn't matter what Rin said, she knew she was right, Haruka wasn't old enough to grasp things like being in love. She might understand the basic concept but the feelings behind it, the things that Yukino experienced when she was with the blonde, the slow burning desire and need, she knew that they weren't reciprocated.
Trying to explain them would only frighten Haruka away and she didn't want that. Besides, whatever sort of pain this brought her, these feelings she had for Haruka, she would never rid herself of them because somewhere deep in her heart she knew one day they would be returned. That time just hadn't reached them yet but it someday it would and Yukino could only wish that it would arrive soon.
To be continued...
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