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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 dislike of hot weather.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sara Gallagher and her hat come onto the scene.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Nine -- Part One
Crossing the Windbloom University campus, Yukino absently returned the greetings of her fellow students but kept her gaze fixed on the piece of paper she held in her hand. The one that informed her only four more classes were required in order for her to graduate which meant she would be receiving both of her degrees in three months if everything went well. Yukino had always kept track of her classes, how far she had to go, her credit accumulation and things of that nature, but finding this out when she went in for her semester meeting with her academic advisor was something of a shock. She realized graduation would be arriving soon but not this soon.
Walking into her dorm and unlocking the front door, she headed into her room and sat on the bed, still staring at the paper. She would have to increase her efforts to find a position in Aries. There were tentative talks going on with the Mayor of Caeles and she also had some interesting prospects in the Sol state government but if she was going to graduate in three months she would need a definitive offer. Lifting her gaze, she focused on the phone on her desk and rose to her feet, dialing the private number to her father's office. Her attention drifted back to the paper once again as the phone rang and she sighed, sitting down in the chair and wondering if perhaps her father was in a staff meeting.
"Senator Chrysant's office," the cheerful voice of her father's longtime secretary, Genevieve, greeted her.
"Genevieve," said Yukino, smiling because there was something about the older woman which always improved her mood. "It's Yukino. I wanted to speak to my father if it's possible. Is he available or should I call back?"
"Yukino!" Genevieve exclaimed and Yukino heard the familiar sound of her shuffling papers and the loud squeak of her chair. "Let me have a peek. I think he just got off a conference call with the Ambassador from Florince…" A clunk sounded she heard Genevieve knocking on a door and questioning her father then seconds later there were footsteps and the secretary returned to the line, a bit breathless as she said, "Hang on a minute, I'll transfer you in. Before I let you go, how are you doing at school over there in Windbloom?"
"Fantastic," said Yukino warmly. "I'm about to graduate next semester."
"Already? Goodness, you do work fast. My Caroline still has two years to go and she graduated with you," Genevieve mused. "You always were an ambitious one though. Get it from your father, I imagine. I'm transferring you in now."
"Thank you, Genevieve," said Yukino with a laugh.
"Yukino?" Makoto Chrysant's low and soothing voice rumbled in her ear. "Is that you?"
"Yes, Father, it's me," said Yukino, laughing again and wondering who else he thought it could have been. "I'm not bothering you, am I?"
"You and your mother never bother me," said Makoto with dry humor. "It's the rest of the world that does it. How are you doing? Is everything going well at your school? There isn't any problem, is there?" Each question came in rapid fire succession causing Yukino to smile widely.
"No, not unless you count graduating early as a problem," said Yukino, a touch of pride coming out in her voice. Though she was initially stunned to find out she would be done with school so soon she was happy for it because the sooner she graduated the sooner she could work and start building up the momentum to run for public office and hopefully be in a position to request Haruka as her Otome.
"Really? When?" asked Makoto, surprise reflected in his tone.
"It'll be next semester. So in three months," said Yukino. She paused and nibbling on her lower lip, she tried to work out how to say what she wanted to next without seeming like someone begging for hand outs and scraps. All of her life she tried her best to earn things on her own rather than get them handed to her because of family's name, influence, and wealth. This wasn't always the easiest task and Yukino knew it couldn't always be done but she tried her best. That's why asking this of her father wasn't the simplest thing. "Father," she said slowly. "You know I want to begin a career in public service. I'm aware you've been against my doing this but it's what I truly want. I've been speaking to Mayor Fiedler and some representatives from Sol state government but I haven't been able to gain an actual offer of employment yet. I was wondering if you knew of anyone who might be needing an aide or any additional staff."
No response came and Yukino wondered if he was more upset than she predicted about her desire to go into politics then she heard the sound of a door shutting quietly and her father sitting down. "Yukino," Makoto said her name in solemn tones that he hadn't used on her since he told her about her grandmother's death. "I've decided that I won't be running for reelection next year."
"What?" said Yukino, her voice just a whisper. "But… why?"
"I'm tired," said Makoto frankly and she could hear it in his voice. To tell the truth, she had been hearing it for years, and her mother too but she thought his weariness with the frustrations he had to deal with would never cause him to leave the job because of all the joy he felt when he was able to accomplish something he felt would truly benefit the people of Sol and Aries. "I've had enough. I know all the games, how to get what I want, but I'm sick of playing them. I've done this for twenty five years and I think maybe that's been too long. Everyone becomes cynical in this line of work but there comes a time when you're too cynical to be effective. I worry I might be reaching it. That's why I think it would be best for me to retire and let someone else have a chance, someone who isn't quite so jaded as me."
"Father," said Yukino, still feeling a bit stunned. She always imagined when she finally became an elected official she would be his colleague in some sense and to have him leave just as she began her own career was jarring. "Does mother know?"
"Yes and the leader of our party," said Makoto matter of factly. "Sato was less than pleased when I told him. Until I suggested the perfect replacement, that is. Someone I think with a little grooming and ample party support could easily win my seat in the upcoming election."
"Duncan Lyons?" Yukino questioned, immediately thinking of the young congressman who was something of a protégé of her father's.
"Duncan is a good man but he's happy serving a smaller constituency," replied Makoto. He was silent for a moment, then said, "I'm speaking about you, Yukino. You want to run for public office, don't you?"
"Me?" echoed Yukino, her eyes going wide and she suddenly felt very dizzy.
"You don't have the experience," said Makoto bluntly. "But you have the intelligence and you have the Chrysant name. I've convinced Sato to give you the full backing of the Egalitarian party and I'm prepared to be there every step of the way to help with the campaign."
"Father, thank you, but I can't be a Senator, not this soon," said Yukino, her dizziness subsiding but the shock not quite gone.
"Is that just what you think or is that what you believe?" questioned Makoto, his voice somber. "Because if you truly want to be a Senator I can almost guarantee your successful election. Name recognition and family legacies go much further than you would think, Yukino."
"But I'm only nineteen," said Yukino and she couldn't get over the fact her father seemed to be utterly serious about this suggestion. "The Referendums, they'll rip us apart, rip me apart, in the election about my age. It's going to be a huge issue."
"At eighteen you're a legal adult in Aries. You can vote, run for office, serve in our armed forces, and drink alcohol," Makoto responded, not sounding the least ruffled. "Besides that, you'll be twenty by the time you run. The Referendums will make an issue out of your age but it's hardly illegal for you to run and when you debate and give speeches they'll just look that much more foolish when you outwit your older and supposedly wiser opponent. Besides," he had a hint of sardonic humor to his voice. "Sol has been a Egalitarian controlled state since its inception. I hardly think you are enough to change that. Not with how staunchly opposed ninety percent of our constituents are to the Referendum policy positions. Even if they were to send a moderate they would have a slim chance of success."
"Father," Yukino said in a whisper and she knew it was ridiculous, the idea of her replacing him, taking his seat in the Senate but he made it seem so feasible and it was what she wanted, wasn't it? To be an elected official like he was, to serve Aries and its people. She could do that if she became a Senator and he was right, what he said about Sol, it was the most staunchly Egalitarian state in all of Aries. Almost all of the public officials were from their party and a Referendum hadn't been voted into real power for at least fifty years. "Do you really think I have a chance?"
"I think you have a very good chance," said Makoto and Yukino could hear the sincerity in his words. "Yukino," he murmured. "I know it seems I've brought this up out of nowhere but I've been thinking about it for some time and if you feel you would be ready I couldn't think of anyone I would rather have in my seat. But take time to consider it, won't you? Don't dismiss it because you start hearing all of the things the Referendums will say in the election race, think for yourself, what you want, what you could do, then make your decision."
"I'll think about it, I promise," said Yukino softly, her mind already whirling with the possibilities.
"Good," said Makoto and she heard the sound of a door opening and Genevieve's cheerful voice in the background. "I'm sorry, Yukino, but I have to go. They're convening a meeting for the defense committee in an hour and Senator Tarquin wants to meet with me before it starts."
"It's all right," Yukino reassured. "Father," she said slowly, starting to get a small handle on what he had offered her today. "Whatever I decide, I wanted to say thank you for believing in me. It means a lot."
"Believing in you is one of the easiest things I could do," said Makoto affectionately. "I love you and please, call your mother, won't you? She'll yell at me if she finds out I've spoken to you today and she hasn't. The yelling is never fun."
"I'll call her in a few minutes," said Yukino with a chuckle. "Goodbye, Father."
"Goodbye, sweetheart," Makoto replied and then there was the click of the line going dead and Yukino hung up the phone as she leaned back in her chair, trying to absorb their conversation.
Since she was a little girl some part of her had always wanted to take after her father. She saw him give speeches, help people, doing things that actually mattered for their country and she wanted to be like that. Yukino just never imagined it would be in the exact position he held for so long. What did he say? Think about what she wanted, what she believed, and not focus on what the Referendums would use for reasons against her being elected into office. Senators in Aries were important figures, almost all of their Presidents came from the Senate with a handful emerging from Governor positions from the seven states. If she became a Senator like her father, if she was able to take over his seat, then becoming a candidate for President was easily a possibility in the future.
Her mind drifted to the timing of the election. Voting would take place three months after her birthday, she would be twenty as her father mentioned but most importantly, the results of the election and her entrance into office and power as a Senator would occur before Haruka's graduation from Garderobe. This meant if she could win the election, become the Jr. Senator for the state of Sol, she could request the blonde as her Otome almost immediately which would effectively destroy her largest concern about their future together. Yukino didn't want to mention it to Haruka, worry her needlessly, but she had been fixated on how she could have Haruka as her Otome. There weren't any benefactor systems and only those approved by the Senate Otome committee were given permission to have an Otome and these approvals were usually given to members of the Senate and state Governors. Just the President and Armed Forces were outside committee's control in this matter and Yukino knew unless she was on that same power level of a Senator or Governor than the very idea of her requesting an Otome through the committee would be laughable. They would dismiss it instantly.
There was also the fact that her father's Otome, Meister Dorothy Lonsdale, stated on previous occasions that she would like to retire at the same time as Makoto Chrysant, saying after twenty years of serving him and ten years serving General Molson would've provided Aries with an acceptable period of service. This left an open position for a Meister Otome for the state of Sol and Yukino was certain Haruka would easily meet the committee's approval to receive Meister Lonsdale's GEM. The blonde was Pearl No. 2, a member of the Trias, and she consistently performed above the standards set for Pearl students at Garderobe. If that didn't qualify her, Yukino didn't know what could.
She wanted this.
She wanted to be a Senator, she wanted to run in the upcoming election, she wanted it and she wanted it badly, and what's more, something in Yukino told her she could succeed. She could become a Senator and she could request Haruka as her Otome and their childhood dream, it would finally come true. Leaning back in her chair, Yukino suddenly felt dizzy. Everything was very real now because it was eerily close to being in her grasp and she wondered if she could really be this lucky. Discovering Haruka returned her feelings was amazing enough but to also be granted this opportunity to fulfill her dream by being elected to public office and have the blonde with her always as her Otome, it was everything she wanted, everything she worked for, and it was so close she could almost reach out and touch it.
This had to happen because Yukino was aware of how difficult it was for an Otome to get reassigned from their original positions in Aries. If she wasn't elected, if she didn't become a Senator and couldn't request Haruka for her Otome before she graduated then the blonde would be placed with another politician or perhaps a member of the military and if she was then it might take years for her to be reassigned to Yukino's service and if that happened their relationship…
Haruka loved her, Haruka was in love with her, Yukino knew this, she had faith in it, and she knew it would never change because that was who Haruka was. Once she decided something, felt something, believed in something, she never wavered and Yukino knew that would apply to her feelings of love but if Haruka served another Master their time together would be reduced to almost nothing. Otomes were the ultimate soldiers and bodyguards, completely loyal and utterly devoted to their Master, they spent day and night by their side protecting them and faithfully following their commands. As a Meister Otome there was hardly any time for a personal life, not when your existence is dedicated to another person, and if that person wasn't the one you were in love with then your time with your love would become nearly null.
It couldn't happen, Yukino wouldn't allow it. Haruka would be with her, she would be her Otome, and they would be together. Anything else was unbearable and she couldn't stand the thought of it much less the reality. Her mind made up and her path decided, Yukino began to work out the strategy she could employ during the upcoming election to refute the expected Referendum protests of inexperience and youth.
By the time she was done it was well into the early morning and she had just three hours of sleep before her first class but she happy. Exhausted and weary but happy because at last she had her future in front of her and everything was decided.
---
Life was funny in that it could change drastically in just a matter of moments. Yukino's conversation with her father added a new level of determination and an almost frantic pace to her current life at Windbloom University. When she was done with classes for the day, she called her father, informing him of her decision to run in the election and immediately she was occupied for hours on the phone, talking to this advisor and that polling expert, even speaking to Geoffrey Sato, the leader of the Egalitarian party about her campaign strategy. By the time she finally managed to escape what she now considered the evil grip of the phone, Yukino was thoroughly in need of some fresh air to clear her mind. Which is why she started a wandering walk through Wind City and found herself standing in front of the store, Backstage, staring at a life size cut out of Haruka in the window and wondering how in the world they managed to create something like that.
The store wasn't a mystery to her, Yukino heard about it from Haruka, who always spoke about it in disdain, mostly because workers from there usually attempted to follow the blonde around whenever she exited Garderobe to visit Yukino, always trying to snap photographs along the way and Haruka had very little patience for things like that. This led to more than one confrontation and Haruka trying to get Shizuru to support her in a measure to restrict Backstage's access to Otomes. A measure which didn't go anywhere because it was entirely impossible for something like that to be effective in the first place since they had as much right as anyone when an Otome was in the public eye. It wasn't a decision Haruka was happy about to say the least and to this day she grumbled whenever the store was mentioned.
A smile tugging at her lips as she pictured the blonde's scowl, Yukino wondered what Haruka would say if she knew they made one of the covert photographs they had taken of her into this life size standee. Most certainly it wouldn't be anything good. Before she was fully aware of it, Yukino was walking towards the entrance of Backstage and entering the shop. Despite her curiosity she had never been inside because of Haruka's adamant opposition to its existence but that cut out of Haruka was just too much of a lure and she walked inside, her eyes going wide as she took in rows and rows of merchandise dedicated to Otome. There were posters on the walls and a large television which had a constant stream of videos from the various Garderobe battles to Meister Otome appearances on the news. There were even shelves filled with tiny figurines of Meister Otome and Yukino automatically drifted over to one such shelf when she took notice a figure with wavy blonde hair in a grey and white outfit that was all too familiar.
Posed with her fist thrust outwards in a roundhouse punch and a wild grin frozen on her features, was a miniature version of Haruka in her Pearl uniform and unable to help herself, Yukino reached out to hold the figurine in her hands. The eyes were a little too close together and the hair longer than it was currently but it was a wonderful approximation of Haruka and Yukino was charmed by it. Immediately, she brought her gaze down to the price tag and grinned when she saw it was well within the price range she gave herself on items she considered wants and not needs while she was away at university. Her parents gave her a sizable monthly allowance but she was never one to be an extravagant spender, it simply wasn't in her nature, but she thought for something like this, even if it was out of her range, she'd make an exception.
"A Haruka fan!" an enthusiastic voice declared and Yukino turned to see a gangly man with spiky black hair standing behind her. He was clad in a jeans and a t-shirt which had the shop name printed on it. The nametag he work identified him as Meister Kieran. "There aren't enough of us in the world. The Destroyer Armitage should garner more respect as the No. 2 Pearl and highest ranking Otome trainee ever produced by the country of Aries, don't you think? Viola hogs way too much of the spotlight."
"The Destroyer Armitage?" echoed Yukino, her eyes going wide.
"That's what the other students call her at Garderobe. You didn't know?" questioned Kieran and he frowned faintly, looking as if he was reconsidering calling her another Haruka fan. "It's because she's destroyed the Garderobe coliseum more than any other Otome trainee in the entire history of the academy. Not to mention her wrecking several other buildings, random school supplies, and countless weapons."
"She didn't mean to smash that desk," defended Yukino as she recalled Haruka recently telling her that she got particularly frustrated during her Otome Law class and wound up without a desk shortly after. "Haruka-chan sometimes doesn’t know her own strength."
"Haruka-chan?" Kieran raised an eyebrow and a grin played on his lips. Yukino blushed at this and he chuckled. "It suits her somehow. I like calling her The Destroyer Armitage because I think it gives her the respect she's due. Otome fans are all looking to Viola to be the best of the new Meisters but I think Haruka has a good chance. Viola is smooth and charming but there's just something about her I don't find honest. Not like Haruka, she always let's you know what she feels, she's done it enough with me whenever I try to take her photo, anyway." He laughed at this and nodded to the life size standee of the blonde in the window. "I got the photo that came from last week when she left the school on one of her little trips to Windbloom University. She noticed me after three minutes and I had to abandon all hopes of getting more reels. I'm a fan of Haruka's but that doesn't mean I want my body damaged by her. Even if I love her motto of power, skill, and guts I don't want her to be using those things on me."
"Windbloom University?" Yukino questioned, becoming very nervous. She wasn't ashamed of her relationship with Haruka, anything but, though something in her had a sinking feeling about letting anyone in this store know about their romance.
"Yes," said Kieran thoughtfully. "She must know someone there. A girl about your height and the same hair color. I've never gotten a good look at her because Haruka either scares me off before I can have the chance or she loses me in the crowd. One day though," he said with an expression of total resolve, "I'll get both of their photos! Then we can do a special on Haruka's real life romance instead of just advertising the doujin with her and Viola which aren't selling that well anymore since the enrollment exam outed her relationship with the No. 2 Coral. If I didn't know about her actual romance I'd feel bad for Haruka, getting thrown over like that."
Feeling entirely justified in her need to keep her romance with Haruka a secret in this particular setting, Yukino blinked at the mention of Shizuru and doujin and Kieran must have noticed her complete lack of understanding. Laughing and giving a bright smile, he walked over to a nearby section of the store where hundreds upon hundreds of comic books were displayed and grabbed one from the shelf. He handed it over to Yukino who took the comic and stared at the cover in shock.
There were amazingly good likenesses of Haruka and Shizuru on the front and Haruka was holding Shizuru in a close embrace, her hands firmly placed on her hips, a dangerous grin on her lips and her head lowered for a kiss while Shizuru was rising up into Haruka wearing a sly smile on her features. Opening the comic quickly, she flipped through the pages and found it detailed the romance between the two Otome, apparently theorizing that their rivals and roommates relationship had developed into something more when they trained in their joint battle against Anh and Maya while Corals. She got as far as the beginning of a fairly graphic and almost entirely inaccurate sex scene when she had to quickly shut the book and closed her eyes, trying to mentally erase of the drawn images on the page. Handing the comic back to Kieran with a weak smile, Yukino wondered about whoever had drawn such a thing, dearly hoping it wasn't the man standing in front of her because she was quite disturbed by its existence.
"I know, right?" remarked Kieran with a laugh. "I don't buy into the whole Haruka/Shizuru romance at all. Even before the thing with Natsuki was revealed but they have a big fanbase. It's mostly because of the way Viola hangs onto Haruka all the time that encourages it." He turned the book around and revealed a photograph on the back of the two Otome trainees that had Shizuru clinging onto Haruka's arm with a playful smile and a twinkle in her eyes and Haruka blushing and keeping her gaze forward, obviously trying to ignore her.
Part of Yukino was jealous, another part was angry, she didn't like the sight of Shizuru hanging onto her Haruka like that but she knew the blonde better than anyone and she knew Haruka wasn't happy with it. Others might perceive her blush as one of embarrassment and muted pleasure but Yukino knew it was purely embarrassment and an unhappiness with the situation. She didn't want to shrug her roommate off or she simply couldn't and so she was forced to put up with something which bothered her, leading to the blush and defined frown. Throughout Haruka's time at Garderobe she heard so much about Shizuru Viola and she always considered the other girl to be a good person despite all the rants that the blonde went on about her because she could hear the underlining affection in Haruka's words whenever she spoke of her. Then the events of the enrollment battle occurred and now there was this photograph, neither of which served to endear the brunette to Yukino at all.
Slowly moving her gaze to Kieran, she forced a smile and lifted up the small Haruka figurine which she continued to hold all this time. "I think I'd like to buy this," murmured Yukino.
"The figurine?" asked Kieran, walking over to the register with Yukino following after. "It's a good representation of her, isn't it?"
"Yes," Yukino smiled. "It is."
---
After the enrollment exams, Haruka saw less and less of Shizuru as she became absorbed in her newfound relationship with Natsuki, and because of this she never found the chance to confront the other girl about her feelings of anger and betrayal upon discovering Shizuru had been holding back her true skill level throughout all their years at Garderobe together. The moments she did have with Shizuru made her not want to say anything at all, just to escape the brunette's presence, and she took to increasing her daily runs around the campus to occupy her time as well as adding another two hours onto her combat training. She was walking towards the armory to perhaps begin training with one of the lesser used weapons like the longbow or the jutte when heard her name called out by Miss Maria's familiar tones.
"Miss Maria," greeted Haruka respectfully, looking behind the instructor to see a class of wide eyed Corals. Doing her best to keep the irritation from showing on her features, she wondered when some of them would ever get over their strange idolization for those in the Trias. "You're teaching Fighting Tactics?" she questioned, thinking that would be the logical assumption since most of the Corals were brand new.
"I am," said Miss Maria who seemed quite content to keep her anxious class waiting. "Are you off to begin some extra training?"
Nodding her head and giving an affirmative grunt, Haruka replied, "I was thinking combat. Maybe the longbow or jutte."
"They are underused," Miss Maria remarked. "Although," she said this thoughtfully, a gleam emerging in her eyes that Haruka couldn't help but grin at because she'd seen it before whenever the instructor came up with a training exercise that was particularly challenging. "If you've the inclination you could assist me with instructing this class. I'm sure the Corals could benefit from the advice of the former No. 1 Coral and current No. 2 Pearl and member of the Trias. Certainly I know most of them could stand to learn from your dedication to training."
"You think?" asked Haruka and she didn't mean to have that doubt in her voice and her thoughts but it was there all the same. She hated having it but she couldn't rid herself of the feeling, it had been there ever since the enrollment battle, and she didn't know how to shake it off other than improving her skill level to the point where she could match Shizuru though she knew that would take time to achieve.
"I know," said Miss Maria gravely, her voice brooking no argument, and Haruka smiled at the instructor, causing the older woman to return the gesture by the tiniest measure before whirling around to face her class. "Students!" she declared. "I have a special treat for you today that I hope you will be most grateful for. Miss Armitage, the No. 2 Pearl and Trias member, has agreed to assist you with your training. Treat her with the same respect that you treat me and today's class will go very well for you indeed."
Fighting Tactics was just as Haruka remembered it, the Corals were divided up into sparring partners, and two were chosen to battle while the others observed and when the battle was done, observations were given by the students and instructor, pointing out what flaws had to be corrected and having those flaws physically demonstrated by the one leading the class. Since Haruka was assisting Miss Maria, she was in charge of half the Corals, approximately eight, and she set about arranging the battles by pairing those she thought would provide the most difficulty in securing a victory on either side. It was never good to have a match that was heavily favored on one side, no one learned from such a thing, and this was a reality Haruka knew all too well, her bitterness at her own uneven match with Shizuru still fresh in her mind.
The last battle of the class was a match between the No. 12 Coral, Sara Gallagher, and the No. 15 Coral, Violetta de Beaupre. She thought they would provide one another with a good learning experience due to their differing styles. From what she knew of Gallagher and de Beaupre they tended to fight in an entirely opposite manner. Gallagher was a strategist, someone who plotted and planned her every move, while de Beaupre leapt into battle relying on her expert weapons training and speed to lead her to victory. Their match was a close one that went until the very last second until Haruka called it to a close and by a general consensus the win was given to Sara Gallagher who had managed to strike more blows with her bo than de Beaupre who left herself open far too often in the midst of her own attacks.
Miss Maria announced Fighting Tactics was at an end and Haruka was considering if she should go for another run, read two chapters ahead in her Meister Otome training text, or perhaps return to her original plan of combat training with the longbow or the jutte. That was when she felt a tap to her shoulder and she turned to look into the smiling eyes of Sara Gallagher. "Haruka-oneesama," Sara chirped her name in a way that was lyrical and affectionate, tilting her blonde head to one side as she did so. "I made more mistakes than you spoke about, didn't I?"
"Maybe," Haruka admitted with a grunt, scratching her cheek and eyeing the Coral thoughtfully. "I just didn't think it would be approbation to talk about it in front of the entire class. Not when it's little things that aren't so easy to see. Miss Maria would pull me aside for things like that."
"Mou, Haruka-oneesama," declared Sara, rolling her eyes slightly but wearing a wide and happy smile on her features. "You mean to say it wouldn't be appropriate, don't you?" When Haruka blinked and looked confused the Coral shook a finger at her in a strangely fond gesture and said, "You're Pearl No. 2 and member of the Trias! You should be more careful to make sure your words are accurate."
Taken aback by the friendly and fearless nature of the younger girl, Haruka was dumbfounded and mumbled, "Sorry." Then she realized she was apologizing to a underclassman and she scowled then said, "Shouldn't you be more respectful to a sempai?"
Instantly the smile faded and Haruka felt horrible and she wanted to take her words back but the smile soon returned, although more sheepish, as Sara rubbed the back of her head and offered apologetically, "I'm sorry, Haruka-oneesama. You're right about that."
"No," Haruka shook her head. "I'm not. I don't like the Pearl and Coral system they have here. Making it like one person is better than another. Having Corals clean up after Pearls and acting like they should worship them." Haruka snorted and started to walk away from the training field, not quite sure where she was headed. "It's stupid to me and if I don't like it and I feel that way I shouldn't force it on you." She looked over her shoulder at Sara who was trotting after her with a curious look on her face. "So I guess I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I can't help it though, I get embarrassed when people point out when I mix up my words. I was hoping to get rid of that habit by this age."
Haruka was aware it was something of a lie because she never felt embarrassed or ashamed when Yukino corrected her but that was Yukino and she knew the older girl could identify any number of her mistakes and flaws and it would never hurt because of who Yukino was. They had known each other for so long and she felt so much for Yukino that she instinctively knew whatever the brunette did in her behalf it was for her own benefit, with the best intentions in mind and love behind the heart of the matter. She was aware Sara didn't mean any harm with her correction but it still stung, she knew people mocked her for her habit getting words wrong and it ate at her because she tried to stop it but nothing seemed to work. None of the solutions Yukino came up with over the years succeeded and Haruka hated failing at anything, no matter how small.
"Haruka-oneesama?" Sara's voice came hesitantly to her ears and she turned to the younger girl who looked at her with a bashful expression that didn't suit her normally bright and inquisitive features. Haruka frowned seeing it, something about it bothering her. "I won't do it anymore if you don't like it. Correcting your words, that is. I was just trying to help. I know that I can stick my nose where I shouldn't and--"
"It's all right," interrupted Haruka, shaking her head and offering a genuine smile. There was something about this Coral she liked. She was sunny and she was smart and she reminded Haruka of Yukino. A more outgoing and enthusiastic and pushier Yukino but it was there all the same, that impression, that feeling of familiarity and Haruka found herself liking Sara Gallagher because of this. "I need to get corrections when I make mistakes. How else am I going to learn? You can keep doing it if you want, just don't be loud about it."
"Yes!" said Sara happily, giving a bow and smiling, trotting after Haruka once again when the older girl continued her walk around the campus. "Haruka-oneesama?" she began, curiosity once more lacing her tones. "What were my mistakes in the battle? You never said."
Releasing a thoughtful murmur, Haruka stretched her arms over her head, and wandered down the large hill, well aware that Sara was following after. Lying down on the grass, she stared up at the other blonde and said, "You think too much. Everything you do is planned and while you're thinking and planning your opponent is moving and you're left open. You've got to start trying to rely on your instincts more in those moments because the battle isn't going to stay still while you're trying to figure out the best way to win it."
"How do I fix that though?" questioned Sara, sitting next to Haruka on the hill, wearing a thoughtful expression.
"Dunno," Haruka mumbled, closing her eyes and relaxing underneath the warm sun. "Maybe do more combat training exercises. Find a partner and try and see if you can read their attacks blindfolded. That'll have you relying on instincts and senses instead of your brain."
"Would Haruka-oneesama help me?" asked Sara and there was a teasing nature to her inquiry that was very much like Shizuru and it made Haruka grin, opening her eyes to look at the Coral who had a hopeful gaze.
"You really want my help?" Haruka questioned sardonically. The Corals who followed her everywhere wanted to ask her stupid questions like what was her favorite color, song, the food she liked to eat, mindless things of that sort. Sara was the first who asked her for any sort of help in her Otome training and while she quickly found herself becoming fond of the younger girl she was dubious about her motives all the same. "I meant for you to get the help of another Coral, your roommate maybe, but you rather have me be your opponent?"
"In training, yes," Sara affirmed, nodding her head and looking at Haruka with wide and eager eyes. "Haruka-oneesama is a good teacher."
While she said this, Sara scooted closer to the older blonde and her glasses slipped down the bride of her nose. Before Haruka even knew what she was doing, she reached up and gently pushed the glasses into their proper position. Sara reminded her so much of Yukino with her glasses sliding down her nose and her messy hair and it endeared the girl to Haruka further. "Okay," she murmured. "I'll help."
"Really?" asked Sara with wide eyed enthusiasm, scooting forward again. "Do you mean it?"
"I mean it," said Haruka, a touch of humor in her voice and a grin tugging at her lips. "I don't make promises I don't keep. We can start your training tomorrow if you want. Right after the last class of the day." Sara gave a happy cry at this and suddenly Haruka was in the middle of a tight hug and rather than be irritated and fighting the urge to push the other girl away she was strangely charmed and she patted Sara's back lightly, her grin returning when she saw her glasses about to fall off her face. Pushing them back up, she murmured, "You ought to be more careful. You're going to break them if you move too recklessly."
"Yes, Haruka-oneesama," said Sara happily, nodding her head. She moved backwards and a slight blush was on her cheeks and Sara ducked her head, keeping her gaze away from Haruka as she revealed, "My eyes are so bad the nanomachines couldn't fix them completely. It's not good, is it? They were supposed to get rid of things like that, help make our bodies perfect, because that's what an Otome requires."
"Wearing glasses won't stop anybody from being a good Otome," Haruka snorted in disdain at the idea that it would and turned to Sara who lifted her head and looked into Haruka's violet eyes which looked at her with an earnest and honest gaze. "Whoever says different is an idiot."
"Haruka-oneesama," Sara said this in a whisper and her eyes were large and seemed to hold a shine of tears. "Thank you."
"I'm just saying the truth," responded Haruka gruffly and she didn't know why but she felt compelled to comfort the younger girl. Sitting up, she took in the shy and uncertain look Sara wore and it was like Yukino but it wasn't and she smiled gently on seeing it, resting her hand flat against Sara's cheek. Then something in her realized what she was doing, who she was touching, and she jerked her hand away, rising to her feet and looking down at the younger girl who stared up at her with a curious gaze. "Training tomorrow," Haruka stated. "Don't forget."
Watching Haruka walk away until she was just a speck in the distance, Sara wore an affectionate expression on her features and murmured to herself that she couldn't forget. Wondering how anyone could about such an important matter with such a kind sempai.
Onto Chapter 9 Part Two
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 dislike of hot weather.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sara Gallagher and her hat come onto the scene.
Intents and Purposes
By: Dreiser
Nine -- Part One
Crossing the Windbloom University campus, Yukino absently returned the greetings of her fellow students but kept her gaze fixed on the piece of paper she held in her hand. The one that informed her only four more classes were required in order for her to graduate which meant she would be receiving both of her degrees in three months if everything went well. Yukino had always kept track of her classes, how far she had to go, her credit accumulation and things of that nature, but finding this out when she went in for her semester meeting with her academic advisor was something of a shock. She realized graduation would be arriving soon but not this soon.
Walking into her dorm and unlocking the front door, she headed into her room and sat on the bed, still staring at the paper. She would have to increase her efforts to find a position in Aries. There were tentative talks going on with the Mayor of Caeles and she also had some interesting prospects in the Sol state government but if she was going to graduate in three months she would need a definitive offer. Lifting her gaze, she focused on the phone on her desk and rose to her feet, dialing the private number to her father's office. Her attention drifted back to the paper once again as the phone rang and she sighed, sitting down in the chair and wondering if perhaps her father was in a staff meeting.
"Senator Chrysant's office," the cheerful voice of her father's longtime secretary, Genevieve, greeted her.
"Genevieve," said Yukino, smiling because there was something about the older woman which always improved her mood. "It's Yukino. I wanted to speak to my father if it's possible. Is he available or should I call back?"
"Yukino!" Genevieve exclaimed and Yukino heard the familiar sound of her shuffling papers and the loud squeak of her chair. "Let me have a peek. I think he just got off a conference call with the Ambassador from Florince…" A clunk sounded she heard Genevieve knocking on a door and questioning her father then seconds later there were footsteps and the secretary returned to the line, a bit breathless as she said, "Hang on a minute, I'll transfer you in. Before I let you go, how are you doing at school over there in Windbloom?"
"Fantastic," said Yukino warmly. "I'm about to graduate next semester."
"Already? Goodness, you do work fast. My Caroline still has two years to go and she graduated with you," Genevieve mused. "You always were an ambitious one though. Get it from your father, I imagine. I'm transferring you in now."
"Thank you, Genevieve," said Yukino with a laugh.
"Yukino?" Makoto Chrysant's low and soothing voice rumbled in her ear. "Is that you?"
"Yes, Father, it's me," said Yukino, laughing again and wondering who else he thought it could have been. "I'm not bothering you, am I?"
"You and your mother never bother me," said Makoto with dry humor. "It's the rest of the world that does it. How are you doing? Is everything going well at your school? There isn't any problem, is there?" Each question came in rapid fire succession causing Yukino to smile widely.
"No, not unless you count graduating early as a problem," said Yukino, a touch of pride coming out in her voice. Though she was initially stunned to find out she would be done with school so soon she was happy for it because the sooner she graduated the sooner she could work and start building up the momentum to run for public office and hopefully be in a position to request Haruka as her Otome.
"Really? When?" asked Makoto, surprise reflected in his tone.
"It'll be next semester. So in three months," said Yukino. She paused and nibbling on her lower lip, she tried to work out how to say what she wanted to next without seeming like someone begging for hand outs and scraps. All of her life she tried her best to earn things on her own rather than get them handed to her because of family's name, influence, and wealth. This wasn't always the easiest task and Yukino knew it couldn't always be done but she tried her best. That's why asking this of her father wasn't the simplest thing. "Father," she said slowly. "You know I want to begin a career in public service. I'm aware you've been against my doing this but it's what I truly want. I've been speaking to Mayor Fiedler and some representatives from Sol state government but I haven't been able to gain an actual offer of employment yet. I was wondering if you knew of anyone who might be needing an aide or any additional staff."
No response came and Yukino wondered if he was more upset than she predicted about her desire to go into politics then she heard the sound of a door shutting quietly and her father sitting down. "Yukino," Makoto said her name in solemn tones that he hadn't used on her since he told her about her grandmother's death. "I've decided that I won't be running for reelection next year."
"What?" said Yukino, her voice just a whisper. "But… why?"
"I'm tired," said Makoto frankly and she could hear it in his voice. To tell the truth, she had been hearing it for years, and her mother too but she thought his weariness with the frustrations he had to deal with would never cause him to leave the job because of all the joy he felt when he was able to accomplish something he felt would truly benefit the people of Sol and Aries. "I've had enough. I know all the games, how to get what I want, but I'm sick of playing them. I've done this for twenty five years and I think maybe that's been too long. Everyone becomes cynical in this line of work but there comes a time when you're too cynical to be effective. I worry I might be reaching it. That's why I think it would be best for me to retire and let someone else have a chance, someone who isn't quite so jaded as me."
"Father," said Yukino, still feeling a bit stunned. She always imagined when she finally became an elected official she would be his colleague in some sense and to have him leave just as she began her own career was jarring. "Does mother know?"
"Yes and the leader of our party," said Makoto matter of factly. "Sato was less than pleased when I told him. Until I suggested the perfect replacement, that is. Someone I think with a little grooming and ample party support could easily win my seat in the upcoming election."
"Duncan Lyons?" Yukino questioned, immediately thinking of the young congressman who was something of a protégé of her father's.
"Duncan is a good man but he's happy serving a smaller constituency," replied Makoto. He was silent for a moment, then said, "I'm speaking about you, Yukino. You want to run for public office, don't you?"
"Me?" echoed Yukino, her eyes going wide and she suddenly felt very dizzy.
"You don't have the experience," said Makoto bluntly. "But you have the intelligence and you have the Chrysant name. I've convinced Sato to give you the full backing of the Egalitarian party and I'm prepared to be there every step of the way to help with the campaign."
"Father, thank you, but I can't be a Senator, not this soon," said Yukino, her dizziness subsiding but the shock not quite gone.
"Is that just what you think or is that what you believe?" questioned Makoto, his voice somber. "Because if you truly want to be a Senator I can almost guarantee your successful election. Name recognition and family legacies go much further than you would think, Yukino."
"But I'm only nineteen," said Yukino and she couldn't get over the fact her father seemed to be utterly serious about this suggestion. "The Referendums, they'll rip us apart, rip me apart, in the election about my age. It's going to be a huge issue."
"At eighteen you're a legal adult in Aries. You can vote, run for office, serve in our armed forces, and drink alcohol," Makoto responded, not sounding the least ruffled. "Besides that, you'll be twenty by the time you run. The Referendums will make an issue out of your age but it's hardly illegal for you to run and when you debate and give speeches they'll just look that much more foolish when you outwit your older and supposedly wiser opponent. Besides," he had a hint of sardonic humor to his voice. "Sol has been a Egalitarian controlled state since its inception. I hardly think you are enough to change that. Not with how staunchly opposed ninety percent of our constituents are to the Referendum policy positions. Even if they were to send a moderate they would have a slim chance of success."
"Father," Yukino said in a whisper and she knew it was ridiculous, the idea of her replacing him, taking his seat in the Senate but he made it seem so feasible and it was what she wanted, wasn't it? To be an elected official like he was, to serve Aries and its people. She could do that if she became a Senator and he was right, what he said about Sol, it was the most staunchly Egalitarian state in all of Aries. Almost all of the public officials were from their party and a Referendum hadn't been voted into real power for at least fifty years. "Do you really think I have a chance?"
"I think you have a very good chance," said Makoto and Yukino could hear the sincerity in his words. "Yukino," he murmured. "I know it seems I've brought this up out of nowhere but I've been thinking about it for some time and if you feel you would be ready I couldn't think of anyone I would rather have in my seat. But take time to consider it, won't you? Don't dismiss it because you start hearing all of the things the Referendums will say in the election race, think for yourself, what you want, what you could do, then make your decision."
"I'll think about it, I promise," said Yukino softly, her mind already whirling with the possibilities.
"Good," said Makoto and she heard the sound of a door opening and Genevieve's cheerful voice in the background. "I'm sorry, Yukino, but I have to go. They're convening a meeting for the defense committee in an hour and Senator Tarquin wants to meet with me before it starts."
"It's all right," Yukino reassured. "Father," she said slowly, starting to get a small handle on what he had offered her today. "Whatever I decide, I wanted to say thank you for believing in me. It means a lot."
"Believing in you is one of the easiest things I could do," said Makoto affectionately. "I love you and please, call your mother, won't you? She'll yell at me if she finds out I've spoken to you today and she hasn't. The yelling is never fun."
"I'll call her in a few minutes," said Yukino with a chuckle. "Goodbye, Father."
"Goodbye, sweetheart," Makoto replied and then there was the click of the line going dead and Yukino hung up the phone as she leaned back in her chair, trying to absorb their conversation.
Since she was a little girl some part of her had always wanted to take after her father. She saw him give speeches, help people, doing things that actually mattered for their country and she wanted to be like that. Yukino just never imagined it would be in the exact position he held for so long. What did he say? Think about what she wanted, what she believed, and not focus on what the Referendums would use for reasons against her being elected into office. Senators in Aries were important figures, almost all of their Presidents came from the Senate with a handful emerging from Governor positions from the seven states. If she became a Senator like her father, if she was able to take over his seat, then becoming a candidate for President was easily a possibility in the future.
Her mind drifted to the timing of the election. Voting would take place three months after her birthday, she would be twenty as her father mentioned but most importantly, the results of the election and her entrance into office and power as a Senator would occur before Haruka's graduation from Garderobe. This meant if she could win the election, become the Jr. Senator for the state of Sol, she could request the blonde as her Otome almost immediately which would effectively destroy her largest concern about their future together. Yukino didn't want to mention it to Haruka, worry her needlessly, but she had been fixated on how she could have Haruka as her Otome. There weren't any benefactor systems and only those approved by the Senate Otome committee were given permission to have an Otome and these approvals were usually given to members of the Senate and state Governors. Just the President and Armed Forces were outside committee's control in this matter and Yukino knew unless she was on that same power level of a Senator or Governor than the very idea of her requesting an Otome through the committee would be laughable. They would dismiss it instantly.
There was also the fact that her father's Otome, Meister Dorothy Lonsdale, stated on previous occasions that she would like to retire at the same time as Makoto Chrysant, saying after twenty years of serving him and ten years serving General Molson would've provided Aries with an acceptable period of service. This left an open position for a Meister Otome for the state of Sol and Yukino was certain Haruka would easily meet the committee's approval to receive Meister Lonsdale's GEM. The blonde was Pearl No. 2, a member of the Trias, and she consistently performed above the standards set for Pearl students at Garderobe. If that didn't qualify her, Yukino didn't know what could.
She wanted this.
She wanted to be a Senator, she wanted to run in the upcoming election, she wanted it and she wanted it badly, and what's more, something in Yukino told her she could succeed. She could become a Senator and she could request Haruka as her Otome and their childhood dream, it would finally come true. Leaning back in her chair, Yukino suddenly felt dizzy. Everything was very real now because it was eerily close to being in her grasp and she wondered if she could really be this lucky. Discovering Haruka returned her feelings was amazing enough but to also be granted this opportunity to fulfill her dream by being elected to public office and have the blonde with her always as her Otome, it was everything she wanted, everything she worked for, and it was so close she could almost reach out and touch it.
This had to happen because Yukino was aware of how difficult it was for an Otome to get reassigned from their original positions in Aries. If she wasn't elected, if she didn't become a Senator and couldn't request Haruka for her Otome before she graduated then the blonde would be placed with another politician or perhaps a member of the military and if she was then it might take years for her to be reassigned to Yukino's service and if that happened their relationship…
Haruka loved her, Haruka was in love with her, Yukino knew this, she had faith in it, and she knew it would never change because that was who Haruka was. Once she decided something, felt something, believed in something, she never wavered and Yukino knew that would apply to her feelings of love but if Haruka served another Master their time together would be reduced to almost nothing. Otomes were the ultimate soldiers and bodyguards, completely loyal and utterly devoted to their Master, they spent day and night by their side protecting them and faithfully following their commands. As a Meister Otome there was hardly any time for a personal life, not when your existence is dedicated to another person, and if that person wasn't the one you were in love with then your time with your love would become nearly null.
It couldn't happen, Yukino wouldn't allow it. Haruka would be with her, she would be her Otome, and they would be together. Anything else was unbearable and she couldn't stand the thought of it much less the reality. Her mind made up and her path decided, Yukino began to work out the strategy she could employ during the upcoming election to refute the expected Referendum protests of inexperience and youth.
By the time she was done it was well into the early morning and she had just three hours of sleep before her first class but she happy. Exhausted and weary but happy because at last she had her future in front of her and everything was decided.
---
Life was funny in that it could change drastically in just a matter of moments. Yukino's conversation with her father added a new level of determination and an almost frantic pace to her current life at Windbloom University. When she was done with classes for the day, she called her father, informing him of her decision to run in the election and immediately she was occupied for hours on the phone, talking to this advisor and that polling expert, even speaking to Geoffrey Sato, the leader of the Egalitarian party about her campaign strategy. By the time she finally managed to escape what she now considered the evil grip of the phone, Yukino was thoroughly in need of some fresh air to clear her mind. Which is why she started a wandering walk through Wind City and found herself standing in front of the store, Backstage, staring at a life size cut out of Haruka in the window and wondering how in the world they managed to create something like that.
The store wasn't a mystery to her, Yukino heard about it from Haruka, who always spoke about it in disdain, mostly because workers from there usually attempted to follow the blonde around whenever she exited Garderobe to visit Yukino, always trying to snap photographs along the way and Haruka had very little patience for things like that. This led to more than one confrontation and Haruka trying to get Shizuru to support her in a measure to restrict Backstage's access to Otomes. A measure which didn't go anywhere because it was entirely impossible for something like that to be effective in the first place since they had as much right as anyone when an Otome was in the public eye. It wasn't a decision Haruka was happy about to say the least and to this day she grumbled whenever the store was mentioned.
A smile tugging at her lips as she pictured the blonde's scowl, Yukino wondered what Haruka would say if she knew they made one of the covert photographs they had taken of her into this life size standee. Most certainly it wouldn't be anything good. Before she was fully aware of it, Yukino was walking towards the entrance of Backstage and entering the shop. Despite her curiosity she had never been inside because of Haruka's adamant opposition to its existence but that cut out of Haruka was just too much of a lure and she walked inside, her eyes going wide as she took in rows and rows of merchandise dedicated to Otome. There were posters on the walls and a large television which had a constant stream of videos from the various Garderobe battles to Meister Otome appearances on the news. There were even shelves filled with tiny figurines of Meister Otome and Yukino automatically drifted over to one such shelf when she took notice a figure with wavy blonde hair in a grey and white outfit that was all too familiar.
Posed with her fist thrust outwards in a roundhouse punch and a wild grin frozen on her features, was a miniature version of Haruka in her Pearl uniform and unable to help herself, Yukino reached out to hold the figurine in her hands. The eyes were a little too close together and the hair longer than it was currently but it was a wonderful approximation of Haruka and Yukino was charmed by it. Immediately, she brought her gaze down to the price tag and grinned when she saw it was well within the price range she gave herself on items she considered wants and not needs while she was away at university. Her parents gave her a sizable monthly allowance but she was never one to be an extravagant spender, it simply wasn't in her nature, but she thought for something like this, even if it was out of her range, she'd make an exception.
"A Haruka fan!" an enthusiastic voice declared and Yukino turned to see a gangly man with spiky black hair standing behind her. He was clad in a jeans and a t-shirt which had the shop name printed on it. The nametag he work identified him as Meister Kieran. "There aren't enough of us in the world. The Destroyer Armitage should garner more respect as the No. 2 Pearl and highest ranking Otome trainee ever produced by the country of Aries, don't you think? Viola hogs way too much of the spotlight."
"The Destroyer Armitage?" echoed Yukino, her eyes going wide.
"That's what the other students call her at Garderobe. You didn't know?" questioned Kieran and he frowned faintly, looking as if he was reconsidering calling her another Haruka fan. "It's because she's destroyed the Garderobe coliseum more than any other Otome trainee in the entire history of the academy. Not to mention her wrecking several other buildings, random school supplies, and countless weapons."
"She didn't mean to smash that desk," defended Yukino as she recalled Haruka recently telling her that she got particularly frustrated during her Otome Law class and wound up without a desk shortly after. "Haruka-chan sometimes doesn’t know her own strength."
"Haruka-chan?" Kieran raised an eyebrow and a grin played on his lips. Yukino blushed at this and he chuckled. "It suits her somehow. I like calling her The Destroyer Armitage because I think it gives her the respect she's due. Otome fans are all looking to Viola to be the best of the new Meisters but I think Haruka has a good chance. Viola is smooth and charming but there's just something about her I don't find honest. Not like Haruka, she always let's you know what she feels, she's done it enough with me whenever I try to take her photo, anyway." He laughed at this and nodded to the life size standee of the blonde in the window. "I got the photo that came from last week when she left the school on one of her little trips to Windbloom University. She noticed me after three minutes and I had to abandon all hopes of getting more reels. I'm a fan of Haruka's but that doesn't mean I want my body damaged by her. Even if I love her motto of power, skill, and guts I don't want her to be using those things on me."
"Windbloom University?" Yukino questioned, becoming very nervous. She wasn't ashamed of her relationship with Haruka, anything but, though something in her had a sinking feeling about letting anyone in this store know about their romance.
"Yes," said Kieran thoughtfully. "She must know someone there. A girl about your height and the same hair color. I've never gotten a good look at her because Haruka either scares me off before I can have the chance or she loses me in the crowd. One day though," he said with an expression of total resolve, "I'll get both of their photos! Then we can do a special on Haruka's real life romance instead of just advertising the doujin with her and Viola which aren't selling that well anymore since the enrollment exam outed her relationship with the No. 2 Coral. If I didn't know about her actual romance I'd feel bad for Haruka, getting thrown over like that."
Feeling entirely justified in her need to keep her romance with Haruka a secret in this particular setting, Yukino blinked at the mention of Shizuru and doujin and Kieran must have noticed her complete lack of understanding. Laughing and giving a bright smile, he walked over to a nearby section of the store where hundreds upon hundreds of comic books were displayed and grabbed one from the shelf. He handed it over to Yukino who took the comic and stared at the cover in shock.
There were amazingly good likenesses of Haruka and Shizuru on the front and Haruka was holding Shizuru in a close embrace, her hands firmly placed on her hips, a dangerous grin on her lips and her head lowered for a kiss while Shizuru was rising up into Haruka wearing a sly smile on her features. Opening the comic quickly, she flipped through the pages and found it detailed the romance between the two Otome, apparently theorizing that their rivals and roommates relationship had developed into something more when they trained in their joint battle against Anh and Maya while Corals. She got as far as the beginning of a fairly graphic and almost entirely inaccurate sex scene when she had to quickly shut the book and closed her eyes, trying to mentally erase of the drawn images on the page. Handing the comic back to Kieran with a weak smile, Yukino wondered about whoever had drawn such a thing, dearly hoping it wasn't the man standing in front of her because she was quite disturbed by its existence.
"I know, right?" remarked Kieran with a laugh. "I don't buy into the whole Haruka/Shizuru romance at all. Even before the thing with Natsuki was revealed but they have a big fanbase. It's mostly because of the way Viola hangs onto Haruka all the time that encourages it." He turned the book around and revealed a photograph on the back of the two Otome trainees that had Shizuru clinging onto Haruka's arm with a playful smile and a twinkle in her eyes and Haruka blushing and keeping her gaze forward, obviously trying to ignore her.
Part of Yukino was jealous, another part was angry, she didn't like the sight of Shizuru hanging onto her Haruka like that but she knew the blonde better than anyone and she knew Haruka wasn't happy with it. Others might perceive her blush as one of embarrassment and muted pleasure but Yukino knew it was purely embarrassment and an unhappiness with the situation. She didn't want to shrug her roommate off or she simply couldn't and so she was forced to put up with something which bothered her, leading to the blush and defined frown. Throughout Haruka's time at Garderobe she heard so much about Shizuru Viola and she always considered the other girl to be a good person despite all the rants that the blonde went on about her because she could hear the underlining affection in Haruka's words whenever she spoke of her. Then the events of the enrollment battle occurred and now there was this photograph, neither of which served to endear the brunette to Yukino at all.
Slowly moving her gaze to Kieran, she forced a smile and lifted up the small Haruka figurine which she continued to hold all this time. "I think I'd like to buy this," murmured Yukino.
"The figurine?" asked Kieran, walking over to the register with Yukino following after. "It's a good representation of her, isn't it?"
"Yes," Yukino smiled. "It is."
---
After the enrollment exams, Haruka saw less and less of Shizuru as she became absorbed in her newfound relationship with Natsuki, and because of this she never found the chance to confront the other girl about her feelings of anger and betrayal upon discovering Shizuru had been holding back her true skill level throughout all their years at Garderobe together. The moments she did have with Shizuru made her not want to say anything at all, just to escape the brunette's presence, and she took to increasing her daily runs around the campus to occupy her time as well as adding another two hours onto her combat training. She was walking towards the armory to perhaps begin training with one of the lesser used weapons like the longbow or the jutte when heard her name called out by Miss Maria's familiar tones.
"Miss Maria," greeted Haruka respectfully, looking behind the instructor to see a class of wide eyed Corals. Doing her best to keep the irritation from showing on her features, she wondered when some of them would ever get over their strange idolization for those in the Trias. "You're teaching Fighting Tactics?" she questioned, thinking that would be the logical assumption since most of the Corals were brand new.
"I am," said Miss Maria who seemed quite content to keep her anxious class waiting. "Are you off to begin some extra training?"
Nodding her head and giving an affirmative grunt, Haruka replied, "I was thinking combat. Maybe the longbow or jutte."
"They are underused," Miss Maria remarked. "Although," she said this thoughtfully, a gleam emerging in her eyes that Haruka couldn't help but grin at because she'd seen it before whenever the instructor came up with a training exercise that was particularly challenging. "If you've the inclination you could assist me with instructing this class. I'm sure the Corals could benefit from the advice of the former No. 1 Coral and current No. 2 Pearl and member of the Trias. Certainly I know most of them could stand to learn from your dedication to training."
"You think?" asked Haruka and she didn't mean to have that doubt in her voice and her thoughts but it was there all the same. She hated having it but she couldn't rid herself of the feeling, it had been there ever since the enrollment battle, and she didn't know how to shake it off other than improving her skill level to the point where she could match Shizuru though she knew that would take time to achieve.
"I know," said Miss Maria gravely, her voice brooking no argument, and Haruka smiled at the instructor, causing the older woman to return the gesture by the tiniest measure before whirling around to face her class. "Students!" she declared. "I have a special treat for you today that I hope you will be most grateful for. Miss Armitage, the No. 2 Pearl and Trias member, has agreed to assist you with your training. Treat her with the same respect that you treat me and today's class will go very well for you indeed."
Fighting Tactics was just as Haruka remembered it, the Corals were divided up into sparring partners, and two were chosen to battle while the others observed and when the battle was done, observations were given by the students and instructor, pointing out what flaws had to be corrected and having those flaws physically demonstrated by the one leading the class. Since Haruka was assisting Miss Maria, she was in charge of half the Corals, approximately eight, and she set about arranging the battles by pairing those she thought would provide the most difficulty in securing a victory on either side. It was never good to have a match that was heavily favored on one side, no one learned from such a thing, and this was a reality Haruka knew all too well, her bitterness at her own uneven match with Shizuru still fresh in her mind.
The last battle of the class was a match between the No. 12 Coral, Sara Gallagher, and the No. 15 Coral, Violetta de Beaupre. She thought they would provide one another with a good learning experience due to their differing styles. From what she knew of Gallagher and de Beaupre they tended to fight in an entirely opposite manner. Gallagher was a strategist, someone who plotted and planned her every move, while de Beaupre leapt into battle relying on her expert weapons training and speed to lead her to victory. Their match was a close one that went until the very last second until Haruka called it to a close and by a general consensus the win was given to Sara Gallagher who had managed to strike more blows with her bo than de Beaupre who left herself open far too often in the midst of her own attacks.
Miss Maria announced Fighting Tactics was at an end and Haruka was considering if she should go for another run, read two chapters ahead in her Meister Otome training text, or perhaps return to her original plan of combat training with the longbow or the jutte. That was when she felt a tap to her shoulder and she turned to look into the smiling eyes of Sara Gallagher. "Haruka-oneesama," Sara chirped her name in a way that was lyrical and affectionate, tilting her blonde head to one side as she did so. "I made more mistakes than you spoke about, didn't I?"
"Maybe," Haruka admitted with a grunt, scratching her cheek and eyeing the Coral thoughtfully. "I just didn't think it would be approbation to talk about it in front of the entire class. Not when it's little things that aren't so easy to see. Miss Maria would pull me aside for things like that."
"Mou, Haruka-oneesama," declared Sara, rolling her eyes slightly but wearing a wide and happy smile on her features. "You mean to say it wouldn't be appropriate, don't you?" When Haruka blinked and looked confused the Coral shook a finger at her in a strangely fond gesture and said, "You're Pearl No. 2 and member of the Trias! You should be more careful to make sure your words are accurate."
Taken aback by the friendly and fearless nature of the younger girl, Haruka was dumbfounded and mumbled, "Sorry." Then she realized she was apologizing to a underclassman and she scowled then said, "Shouldn't you be more respectful to a sempai?"
Instantly the smile faded and Haruka felt horrible and she wanted to take her words back but the smile soon returned, although more sheepish, as Sara rubbed the back of her head and offered apologetically, "I'm sorry, Haruka-oneesama. You're right about that."
"No," Haruka shook her head. "I'm not. I don't like the Pearl and Coral system they have here. Making it like one person is better than another. Having Corals clean up after Pearls and acting like they should worship them." Haruka snorted and started to walk away from the training field, not quite sure where she was headed. "It's stupid to me and if I don't like it and I feel that way I shouldn't force it on you." She looked over her shoulder at Sara who was trotting after her with a curious look on her face. "So I guess I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I can't help it though, I get embarrassed when people point out when I mix up my words. I was hoping to get rid of that habit by this age."
Haruka was aware it was something of a lie because she never felt embarrassed or ashamed when Yukino corrected her but that was Yukino and she knew the older girl could identify any number of her mistakes and flaws and it would never hurt because of who Yukino was. They had known each other for so long and she felt so much for Yukino that she instinctively knew whatever the brunette did in her behalf it was for her own benefit, with the best intentions in mind and love behind the heart of the matter. She was aware Sara didn't mean any harm with her correction but it still stung, she knew people mocked her for her habit getting words wrong and it ate at her because she tried to stop it but nothing seemed to work. None of the solutions Yukino came up with over the years succeeded and Haruka hated failing at anything, no matter how small.
"Haruka-oneesama?" Sara's voice came hesitantly to her ears and she turned to the younger girl who looked at her with a bashful expression that didn't suit her normally bright and inquisitive features. Haruka frowned seeing it, something about it bothering her. "I won't do it anymore if you don't like it. Correcting your words, that is. I was just trying to help. I know that I can stick my nose where I shouldn't and--"
"It's all right," interrupted Haruka, shaking her head and offering a genuine smile. There was something about this Coral she liked. She was sunny and she was smart and she reminded Haruka of Yukino. A more outgoing and enthusiastic and pushier Yukino but it was there all the same, that impression, that feeling of familiarity and Haruka found herself liking Sara Gallagher because of this. "I need to get corrections when I make mistakes. How else am I going to learn? You can keep doing it if you want, just don't be loud about it."
"Yes!" said Sara happily, giving a bow and smiling, trotting after Haruka once again when the older girl continued her walk around the campus. "Haruka-oneesama?" she began, curiosity once more lacing her tones. "What were my mistakes in the battle? You never said."
Releasing a thoughtful murmur, Haruka stretched her arms over her head, and wandered down the large hill, well aware that Sara was following after. Lying down on the grass, she stared up at the other blonde and said, "You think too much. Everything you do is planned and while you're thinking and planning your opponent is moving and you're left open. You've got to start trying to rely on your instincts more in those moments because the battle isn't going to stay still while you're trying to figure out the best way to win it."
"How do I fix that though?" questioned Sara, sitting next to Haruka on the hill, wearing a thoughtful expression.
"Dunno," Haruka mumbled, closing her eyes and relaxing underneath the warm sun. "Maybe do more combat training exercises. Find a partner and try and see if you can read their attacks blindfolded. That'll have you relying on instincts and senses instead of your brain."
"Would Haruka-oneesama help me?" asked Sara and there was a teasing nature to her inquiry that was very much like Shizuru and it made Haruka grin, opening her eyes to look at the Coral who had a hopeful gaze.
"You really want my help?" Haruka questioned sardonically. The Corals who followed her everywhere wanted to ask her stupid questions like what was her favorite color, song, the food she liked to eat, mindless things of that sort. Sara was the first who asked her for any sort of help in her Otome training and while she quickly found herself becoming fond of the younger girl she was dubious about her motives all the same. "I meant for you to get the help of another Coral, your roommate maybe, but you rather have me be your opponent?"
"In training, yes," Sara affirmed, nodding her head and looking at Haruka with wide and eager eyes. "Haruka-oneesama is a good teacher."
While she said this, Sara scooted closer to the older blonde and her glasses slipped down the bride of her nose. Before Haruka even knew what she was doing, she reached up and gently pushed the glasses into their proper position. Sara reminded her so much of Yukino with her glasses sliding down her nose and her messy hair and it endeared the girl to Haruka further. "Okay," she murmured. "I'll help."
"Really?" asked Sara with wide eyed enthusiasm, scooting forward again. "Do you mean it?"
"I mean it," said Haruka, a touch of humor in her voice and a grin tugging at her lips. "I don't make promises I don't keep. We can start your training tomorrow if you want. Right after the last class of the day." Sara gave a happy cry at this and suddenly Haruka was in the middle of a tight hug and rather than be irritated and fighting the urge to push the other girl away she was strangely charmed and she patted Sara's back lightly, her grin returning when she saw her glasses about to fall off her face. Pushing them back up, she murmured, "You ought to be more careful. You're going to break them if you move too recklessly."
"Yes, Haruka-oneesama," said Sara happily, nodding her head. She moved backwards and a slight blush was on her cheeks and Sara ducked her head, keeping her gaze away from Haruka as she revealed, "My eyes are so bad the nanomachines couldn't fix them completely. It's not good, is it? They were supposed to get rid of things like that, help make our bodies perfect, because that's what an Otome requires."
"Wearing glasses won't stop anybody from being a good Otome," Haruka snorted in disdain at the idea that it would and turned to Sara who lifted her head and looked into Haruka's violet eyes which looked at her with an earnest and honest gaze. "Whoever says different is an idiot."
"Haruka-oneesama," Sara said this in a whisper and her eyes were large and seemed to hold a shine of tears. "Thank you."
"I'm just saying the truth," responded Haruka gruffly and she didn't know why but she felt compelled to comfort the younger girl. Sitting up, she took in the shy and uncertain look Sara wore and it was like Yukino but it wasn't and she smiled gently on seeing it, resting her hand flat against Sara's cheek. Then something in her realized what she was doing, who she was touching, and she jerked her hand away, rising to her feet and looking down at the younger girl who stared up at her with a curious gaze. "Training tomorrow," Haruka stated. "Don't forget."
Watching Haruka walk away until she was just a speck in the distance, Sara wore an affectionate expression on her features and murmured to herself that she couldn't forget. Wondering how anyone could about such an important matter with such a kind sempai.
Onto Chapter 9 Part Two
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