"And she didn't say anything else?" Shizuma asked, her tone taking an agitated edge. Tamao shook her head, sensing the former-Etoile's anger, not wanting to enrage it further than she already felt she had, despite knowing full well she hadn't actually done anything wrong herself. Shizuma sighed, shaking her head and pacing the length of the room, staring out across the school grounds through the wide bedroom window. How uncharacteristically childish, she thought. Miyuki really was scraping the bottom of the barrel now. Nagisa sat on her bed behind, a flushed look of guilt on her face as she regarded her roommate sat opposite. She bowed her head, fiddling with her uniform in her lap as she said in a meek voice, "I didn't mean to get Tamao-chan in trouble." Tamao looked across at Nagisa, unsure of how to respond. As much as she'd wanted to help her friend, she wasn't eager to get into trouble with the school just so the couple could sleep together either. It hadn't left her feeling the best as it was, although she knew it was likely beneficial for her in the long run. With a sigh, Shizuma repeated the sentiment, "Indeed, that was never the idea," looking back across her shoulder at Tamao, she added, "and I'm sorry Tamao, I didn't mean to snap. I shouldn't be taking it out on you." She returned her gaze to the window, "I'll get my things together this morning and go back to my room; it just means I'll have to confront Miyuki sooner than I'd hoped." Nagisa looked up from her lap, offering, "Can I help Shizuma-sama?" Nodding, Shizuma replied, "Please, if I get my things together, can you help me carry them back?" Nagisa nodded before standing to help gather up the former-Etoile's clothes. She looked downcast, unhappy to see their cosy existence disturbed, especially after such a wonderful weekend. Inwardly, Tamao was relieved by their decision. Trying to lighten the atmosphere, she asked, "How did the stay go anyway, was it nice?" Nagisa giggled, looking towards Shizuma who'd disappeared into the bathroom to collect her toiletries, "Shizuma has strange taste in music," then giggling again she added, "and Amane-sama can't dance to save her life!" With a wry smile on her lips, Shizuma reappeared from the bathroom door way. "And Nagisa is a light weight, but that's another story," winking at Tamao as she casually chucked her wash bag onto the bed. She sighed, adjusting her hair clip, before reaching into one of the shopping bags she'd left beside Nagisa's bed when they'd returned a little earlier. Having retrieved what she was after, she turned to face Tamao. "This was side tracked in the hassle with Miyuki, I'm sorry. It's something from Nagisa and I to say thank you to Tamao-chan for being so understanding." Tamao blanched, looking up at Shizuma as she offered her a neatly wrapped parcel with an elaborate bow tied around it. Blushing slightly, she stumbled over her words as she accepted the gift, not sure of what to say. "Uh, thank you Shizuma-sama," adding as she glanced at her room mate, "thank you Nagisa-chan." Nagisa smiled, watching the dark haired fourth year turn the parcel over in her hand. "Does Tamao-chan have special eyes that see through paper?" she teased. Taking the hint, Tamao carefully undid the black bow, tugging at the shiny red wrapping paper underneath until she held a soft brown case in her hand. Cracking it open gently, she looked inside the velvet interior, a delicate bracelet resting inside, the solid silver shimmering in the bright day light. She brushed it carefully with her finger, the heart-shaped locket suspended on the bracelet chain turning onto its side, revealing an inscription running across the rim. Quietly, she read the lettering to herself, "To the best friend anyone could wish for - Aoi-san & Hanazono-san." Looking up at the two girls watching her, Tamao's face flushed and her eyes rimmed with tears. She bowed her gaze again quickly as she brushed them away, rocking her head whilst trying to avoid looking silly. She hadn't expected anything like this, especially from Shizuma as well. Nagisa sat beside her, a fond look on her face. She put her arms round the fourth year, holding her dearly. "Thank you Tamao-chan." Shizuma smiled warmly, adding, "I really appreciated you doing what you have Tamao. I know things have been hard for you like this; you really are the best friend Nagisa could wish for." Then with an after thought, "And perhaps if you'll have me, a good friend to an old hag too." Tamao looked up at the silver haired upperclassman, tears running down her cheeks. "Shizuma-sama..." she mumbled, and stood before giving the former-Etoile an awkward hug. Kissing Tamao on the forehead, Shizuma smiled, before holding the girl at arms length so she could look her in the eyes. "I'm sorry if I've caused you any harm Tamao, it was never my intention." Tamao shook her head again, the tears bubbling over, before the three girls collapsed together in a messy hug, standing silent in the centre of the room. - - - - - Turning the corner to the sixth year corridor, Shizuma sighed as she looked down the hall towards her door. Squeezing Nagisa's hand, she whispered, "Whatever happens, just ignore her and let me do the talking. The last thing you need now is to get into trouble and she's obviously happy to throw her weight around." She briefly pondered the type of woman her friend of so many years had become, shaking her head before setting off down the corridor. It was a marked contrast to the self-sacrificing fourth year she'd left in Nagisa's room a floor below. Or was it, she caught herself wondering. Perhaps it's just a case of limits; Miyuki obviously having reached hers after the election ceremony. As they reached her door, Shizuma drew her keys from her bag, twisting the lock open before ushering Nagisa into her room quietly. Just as she did, Miyuki's door cracked open, the dark-haired sixth year poking her head around the corner. "Shizuma?" The school council President was still in her night clothes, and her brown eyes narrowed as she took in the red head standing next to Shizuma. "Oh, you brought company," she muttered, "what a shame," before disappearing from the doorway but leaving the door ajar nonetheless. Taking the hint, Shizuma nodded to Nagisa, indicating for her to wait in Shizuma's room. The fourth year nodded back, taking Shizuma's bags from her before plopping them on the former-Etoile's bed and heading into the bathroom to get some water for tea. Taking a deep breath, Shizuma stepped into Miyuki's room, carefully pushing the door to behind her. Miyuki was sat in bed, still in her pastel blue night shirt and pyjama bottoms, holding the book she'd been reading on her lap. She looked at Shizuma with moody eyes, waiting for the former-Etoile to start, hoping the awkward silence would work in her favour. In her experience as council President, a guilty conscience under interrogation would always try to fill the long pauses with excuses. Shizuma looked at her former roommate, standing uncomfortably at the other end of the bed. After a moment she gave in, beginning the proceedings, "You didn't have to threaten Suzumi-chan, she's not done anything wrong." Miyuki raised a dark brow, "Its chan now is it?" then adding with a flat tone, "and yes, she's done something very wrong as you well know. I was just performing my duty as school council President, making sure she was aware of her error." Shizuma sighed, "You don't have to be like that Miyuki; she was just trying to help us out." Miyuki laughed, bemused by the response, "It's strange seeing you act so defensive of the girl. It wasn't long ago you were sparring with her for Nagisa's affection." Shizuma pride flared, "It was hardly sparring. Besides, it wasn't just Nagisa and I she was trying to help. You should be thanking her too." Miyuki looked at Shizuma with cynical eyes, "Oh, and how is that?" "She was trying to get you some space Miyuki, that's why," Shizuma snapped. "The last thing the pair of us needed was to be back on top of each other again so soon after the election." Miyuki leered, "I'll decide at what point I happen to fancy being on top of you thank you." Shizuma blanched, shaking her head in disbelief. "That's not you talking Miyuki." The raven haired sixth year sneered, "Perhaps... But how would you know what is, and what isn't me, exactly?" She scowled, looking Shizuma straight in the eye. "You spend all your time wrapped up in your latest distractions, how is it you think you know me at all?" Shizuma bowed her head. "I never forgot you were there Miyuki." The school council President sat forward in the bed and snapped, "No you didn't did you, which makes it all the worse! You knew exactly how I felt and you carried on all the same, more than happy to brush my feelings aside as long as I was still there for yours when you needed me again afterwards." Shizuma looked up again, "It wasn't like that. You weren't brushed aside for them; I just never looked at you in that way, that's all." Shizuma was lying and she knew it, conscious of the thin walls and Nagisa being next door. Seeing the opportunity, Miyuki slid out of the bed and walked toward Shizuma with a level gaze. "No? What about the morning in your room before you gave the Etoile necklaces back? The morning you forced me to kiss you... Or the morning of the election, when you called for me to you to comb your hair? What were you thinking of then Shizuma?" She undid the top buttons of her night shirt, pulling the collar back to expose her bare shoulders. "Is this enough, or was it more?" Shizuma felt her face flush with anger, her personal space disturbed by Miyuki's increasing proximity and the enjoyment she was obviously getting from berating Shizuma's behaviour within ear shot of Nagisa. She snapped back in frustration, "I was confused, and lonely. You were so busy sticking your oar into my relationship with Nagisa that I didn't know what I felt!" Miyuki capitalised, yelling back, "Do you ever? You just leech onto the nearest thing you can, whether it's strong and supportive or shallow and despera - " Miyuki stopped, realising what she was about to imply, knowing in her eagerness to turn the knife she'd overstepped the mark. Sheer anger seethed in Shizuma's emerald eyes, and she said in a grating voice, "Finish your sentence Miyuki." Well aware that she'd have to follow through or lose face to the former-Etoile, Miyuki tried hard to hold Shizuma's gaze. She was unwilling to be forced back into the weak, submissive roll of the girl that used to promise Shizuma she'd try harder; the girl Shizuma used to cradle at night to stop her room mate's homesick tears, and the sixth year bit her lip before resigning herself to finishing the train of thought. Lacking any real conviction however, she added, "Well she was dying wasn't she; she had to be pretty desperate." That was enough for Shizuma, and her eyes glazed over as she brought the back of her hand hard across Miyuki's face, flooring the sixth year in a single blow. Stepping forward, raising her hand to deliver a second, Shizuma snarled, "Look at what you've become Miyuki, it's pathetic!" But the blow was blocked, Nagisa's hand grabbing Shizuma's wrist before she could complete the swing. The former-Etoile struggled briefly for a moment, shaking off Nagisa's grip before dropping her hand in annoyance, glaring back at the fourth year behind her. Her girlfriend's soft brown eyes returned the stare, filled with concern. Shizuma's demeanour softened immediately and she shook her head in dismay, "No, you're right Nagisa. This won't achieve anything." Regret and sorrow washing over her, the silver haired Miatorian looked back at the dark haired girl lying in a heap on the floor. "I don't know how I did this to you Miyuki, but I never intended to hurt you." She sighed gently, continuing, "You were always my best friend; the one person I knew was looking out for me. The one person I would look out for too. I hate what we've become; Kaori would hate what we've become." Turning, she led Nagisa by the hand, closing the door behind her. - - - - - The tiny form of Chiyo Tsukidate trudged her way up the hill towards the Dormitory building, having spent the better part of the morning wandering the school grounds aimlessly, trying to prepare herself for facing her onee-sama as she reported for room temp duty. She'd walked as far as Lulim, her mind turning over the previous day's events. Feeling no better, she'd gone on to Miator; she'd even continued to Spica and completed the full loop of the Astrea grounds. Despite even that, the journey had been fruitless, the little first year none the wiser as to how she'd explain away the elaborate mess with the two school council Presidents, or the fact that she'd broken Nagisa-sama's confidence, despite having promised not to. She kicked a stone on the path beneath her, feeling totally down trodden and petrified to face her fourth year mentors, scared they'd be angry with her or worse still, tell her they no longer wanted her as room temp and deny her contact with her onee-sama altogether. It was all Shizuma's fault. If she hadn't stolen the heart of her onee-sama and enraged President Rokujo by ruining Miator's election chances, then none of this would have happened and she wouldn't be wandering around aimlessly, looking for complicated explanations she couldn't string together in her head. All Shizuma's fault. That, and Kagome and her dammed teddy bear. What was it with that annoying Lulim girl anyway? Why did Chiyo feel so compelled to divulge everything when she was around her; that eerie gaze and the stupid stuffed toy she insisted on talking through. It was like being around a mystic. With dismay, she reached the Dormitory gates, gazing up at the huge brown building in front of her. There was nothing for it, she'd have to face Nagisa-sama and take what was coming to her. An awful feeling in the pit of her stomach, she trudged up the steps to the front door, hoping the world was feeling merciful. - - - - - "I can't believe I hit her," Shizuma sighed as she gazed down at the intricate patterns that covered the top of the green house high table. With her head in her hands, she tipped it sideways to glance across at Nagisa who was sat next to her, looking for some form of justification. Nagisa sat silent however, a little uncomfortable with what she'd heard through the wall between the sixth year's rooms, but concerned for Shizuma nonetheless. The comment about Kaori had certainly deserved the response it got she thought to herself. Having abandoned the idea of tea, the two girls had locked Shizuma's room and decided to come to the green house, hoping to find the Etoile and sure this is the one place Miyuki wouldn't have enough courage to follow them. Amane had been here to greet them, although the younger Etoile was nowhere to be seen. Carrying a tray with a fresh pot of tea and three china cups, Amane returned to the table. "She's certainly not the Miyuki I came to respect as council President," the tall Spican offered, "I can't imagine her saying what she did." Shizuma gazed across the green house absently, not feeling any better regardless. "I guess I only have myself to blame. I'm forever making a mess of things." Startled by the aloof comment, Nagisa and Amane looked at Shizuma with confused expressions. Very rarely had either of them heard Shizuma so self-defeating, something she'd previously always kept for herself. Nagisa reached forward, taking the former-Etoile by the hand. Still unable to offer any words, she simply squeezed Shizuma's fingers and smiled fondly, bringing a spark of life back to the sullen face regarding her. "Hopefully that will be the end of it anyway," Amane remarked, pouring the tea. "She must know she was out of line." She looked around, deciding it was time to change the subject, "You know, I'm kind of glad you two showed up." Sheepishly she scratched the side of her head and asked, "You don't mind helping with the flowers this morning do you?" Thankful for the distraction, Shizuma grinned, looking up at the Etoile, "Where is Hikari anyway?" Amane shrugged, "I don't honestly know. I've not seen her since this morning." Nagisa added quietly, "She wasn't the best of colours; I think that champagne you plied us with went to her head a little." Shizuma smiled coyly, "You didn't have to drink it..." But Amane moved the issue along quickly as she passed the girls their tea, "Either way, it's just me this morning, and I could really do with a hand if you're free." Nodding in unison, the Miatorians agreed happily, "Of course Amane, point us at what needs doing." - - - - - Hikari lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling in the dim light of her Dormitory, watching as the textured plaster above her swayed slowly. Having spent a fair bit of the morning throwing up, she was still feeling quiet sick and certain she'd over done it the previous night. She groaned as her stomach turned again, causing her to curl up in a ball, clutching herself in agony. Not sure at which point the evening had taken the nose dive it did, she still couldn't shake the unnerving sense of upheaval that had led her to tears before Amane had found her. The day had been so much fun until Shizuma had insisted dressing Amane up; she remembered again the uncomfortable feeling she'd felt as she looked at Amane in the dress, the sultry feminine form before her a stark contrast to the Amane-senpai she knew and loved. The same Amane-senpai she'd spent months gazing at admiringly as she horse rode in the paddocks near the Spica school building. She was unable to vocalise the feeling but knew, deep down, something was very wrong. It was the same feeling she'd felt when Yaya had pressed her lithe form against the young Etoile, kissing her forcefully that night in their Dorm. The same feeling she felt every time she watched Shizuma and Nagisa kiss in front of her. She groaned as her stomach spasmed again, the dull pain wrenching her into a ball. Where was Yaya anyway? The dark haired third year had promised to hurry back, noting how ill Hikari had looked and stressing she was only popping to the cathedral to get some song sheets. Something which had made little sense to Hikari at the time, given there would be no one there on a Sunday afternoon as the practices finished much earlier in the morning. Perhaps Yaya had left them there on a previous day. Either way, she'd promised to come back soon, offering to keep Hikari company. Pushing her sweaty hair from her face, she looked across the room at the bedroom door. She was unable to face Amane in this state as she'd be too embarrassed at having so little stamina. She'd also be unwilling to throw the rumour mill any more ammunition by wandering around the Spican sports area on a busy sunday afternoon in such a mess, looking for her fellow Etoile. Instead, she considered finding Yaya. The cathedral wasn't far, and she wasn't coping with her poorly state on her own, but certainly wasn't going to approach the Nurse for fear of awkward questions. As long as she had her dear friend with her, she was sure she would be fine. Gingerly, she shuffled out of her bed and changed into uniform, making a vague attempt at tiding her pale face up before leaving the room on her way to the cathedral. - - - - - Chiyo rapped again on the door, her heart in her throat. "Aoi-sama?" she called. "Suzumi-sama?" No reply came from within the closed Dormitory door, and partially relieved, partially frustrated, the tiny first year turned away and started walking back toward her own room. Now she would have to wait until the following day to explain herself to the older girls, meaning she'd have to spend another sleepless night as she pondered the outcome. The corridors were empty, most of the Dormitory girls either out engaged in recreational activities or off campus visiting relatives or shopping in town. It wouldn't be until much later that they'd return. Chiyo was happy for the solitude, and stomped along in her self-absorbed mood. Her day wasn't getting any better, and having spent all morning plucking her courage up, she was left feeling even worse knowing it had been for nothing. All Shizuma's fault, she repeated to herself. In fact, Chiyo was so wrapped up in her own little world, she almost walked straight into Kagome; the little Lulim girl stood waiting for Chiyo to notice her in the long corridor to the stair well. Stopping dead in her tracks, Chiyo looked up just at the last moment, a vexed expression covering her face as her eyes passed over the checked uniform and she realised who her company was. "You!" she exclaimed. Kagome gripped Percival tighter and looked into the Miatorian's angry eyes. "Chiyo-chan?" she mumbled in a small voice. The room temp snapped, "I'm not talking to you anymore. You've ruined my life!" Kagome looked distraught and pleaded, "But Ohshibaru didn't know he was doing anything wrong. He didn't mean to get Chiyo-chan in trouble." Despite the tears welling in the corner of the Kagome's big green eyes, Chiyo continued to rant, "Well you have, and now my onee-sama may never talk to me again. For all I know, she'll tell me she never wants to see me and I'll be the only room temp ever sacked in Miator's history!" He waved her hands wildly as she raged, "Do you know how embarrassing that will be Kagome? Do you know how stupid I'll look?" Kagome shrunk back from the angry figure in front of her, her face written with intimidation and dismay, "But Ohshibaru didn't mean any harm. He likes Chiyo-chan." Chiyo snapped, "And stop it with that stupid bear! You're not a junior anymore, stop acting like such a little girl!" Something dark shifted inside Chiyo, and she grasped awkwardly at the stuffed toy cradled in Kagome's arms. In return for taking her beloved onee-sama, Chiyo was going to take something precious from Kagome too. For a moment, the two girls struggled with each other, Percival stretched between them, hands pulling on him in every direction. Then, quietly at first, there was the ominous sound of ripping fabric, and horror flashed across Kagome's face as one of Percival's arm's came loose. Tears flooding to her eyes, she lost her grip and Chiyo swept the bear from her reach. "It's time you grew up Kagome!" Chiyo shouted in a shrill voice, launching the bear across the hallway, stuffing floating across the carpet before he bounced into a corner, his demented gaze staring back as he lay there, looking ruined and dejected where he fell. Kagome screamed, a soul piercing cry that filled the corridor and echoed down the hall beyond. Stunned, Chiyo stepped backwards as the tiny Lulim girl raced to her damaged teddy, sweeping him up in her arms, cradling Percival as she gingerly tried pushing the escaping stuffing back into his open arm socket. Chiyo felt a strange sensation wash over her, as though her head and body were floating far apart, and the first year shuffled uncomfortably as Kagome's cries continued, drawing attention from one of the older girls in a nearby dormitory. Looking at the discarded arm at her feet, a strong sense of guilt rushed over Chiyo, and in a panic as the curious fourth year approached the pair, she turned and ran, leaving the Lulim girl grieving over her beloved teddy bear. - - - - - Hikari trudged her way through the ankle deep snow, shivering violently and struggling to contain the waves of nausea that washed over her. Looking back down the long path through the falling white flakes to the Dormitories beyond, she knew it was as far in that direction now as it was to the Cathedral, and the hope of finding Yaya tipped the balance of whether she should press on or return to the warmth of her room. Despite her long white overcoat, the cold gripped her, and she stumbled onward, trying to pull it more tightly around her waist. "Yaya-chan will help me, she'll understand." - - - - - The Cathedral was eerily still, the girl's slightest moves reverberating around the high ceilings as though they'd been thunderous and mighty. Yaya sat in the middle of one of the long wooden stalls facing the altar at the front, her heavy Spican overcoat lying underneath her, the playful figure of Tsubomi Okuwaka sat atop her lap, her skirt riding far too high, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous grin. They'd been here a while now, at first just fumbling about nervously in fear of being caught, the thrill adding to the experience. But as time had passed and newcomers had failed to materialize, the girls had become bolder, fumbling replaced by tentative kisses, replaced by their entwined figures and rising body temperatures. Her shirt half undone and her heart beating furiously, Tsubomi leant forward, caressing the third year's face gently before exchanging a long, probing kiss, her long strawberry hair engulfing them both as it fell forward in loose flowing locks. Righting herself, she looked down at Yaya with a hungry gaze, questioning the older girl with anxious hesitation. "Well Yaya?" she asked, "How about it? Right here, in the middle of the cathedral!" Yaya squirmed, her mind torn in two directions, but the physical presence of the first year certainly keeping her attention. However in the back of her mind was the promise she'd made to Hikari, the Etoile's pale face and sickly state worrying her as she'd left their Dormitory. She'd been gone much longer than she intended, and she knew she should be getting back. Tsubomi ran her finger tips across the older girl's chest, working their way across Yaya's stomach and towards the ruffled hem of her creased Spican skirt. "Well?" Tsubomi pressed, Yaya's back arched as Tsubomi's fingers reached their mark, her black hair cascading down the back of the wooden stall in the aisle behind them. A gentle breath escaped her lips and her eyes lost focus before closing slowly. "That a yes then?" Tsubomi giggled, smiling as she worked away playfully. Yaya looked up, her expression blank, absorbed in the moment, gazing longingly into Tsubomi's pea green eyes. "Quickly Tsubomi..." Yaya mumbled, shifting in her seat. - - - - - Relief washed over Hikari as she reached the cathedral door, and she collapsed against the stonework, hugging it for a moment while she caught her breath and let the nausea subside. Clutching her painful stomach with one hand, the tiny Etoile pulled herself up with the other, dizziness washing over her with the effort. She struggled into the doorway and out of the snow, entering the dim light of the cathedral beyond. Waiting for her eyes to adjust, she noted with increasing unease that her shivering wasn't stopping, yet her temperature seemed to have risen considerably. She definitely wasn't well, and she wondered whether traipsing out into the freezing cold while being so obviously dehydrated and ill had been such a clever idea. Her clothes were soaked, and her blonde hair hung about her in a dripping mess. Holding her forehead as the room slowly spun, she felt a sinking sense of panic wash over her. She looked toward the altar beyond, and in the low light she could make out two figures in the stalls near the front. Gingerly, she made her way forward to ask if they'd seen Yaya. It was likely they would be Saintly Chorus members, and although a little embarrassing, there would be no shame to Amane-senpai in letting them see the younger Etoile in this state, most of the choir friendly enough after years of practicing together. As the tiny Spican drew closer, she realised the figures were sharing the same aisle, one of them seemingly stood in front of the other deep in discussion. Not wanting to disturb the important looking conversation, the third year slowed her pace, moving into the shadows beside the tall stone columns that flanked either side of the main cathedral hall. As she continued toward the front, her view was obscured by each of the wide circular pillars, and each time the figures came back into view, she could make out a little more. By the time she was half-way to the altar, only one more pillar away from the couple, she could make out the white Spica uniform and bright strawberry hair of Tsubomi Okuwaka as she perched in front of the other figure who lay slumped in the high backed seat of the stall. She could just about hear the sound of their feint words, but couldn't make out what they were saying or who the other figure was. If anyone was going to know where Yaya-chan was, Tsubomi would be the one Hikari thought to herself, and although the underclassman seemed to have been avoiding her since the Etoile election, she doubted Tsubomi would be unreasonable enough not to tell her if she knew Yaya-chan's location. She might even help the sick Etoile herself, although Hikari didn't trust her enough to relate the weekend's events. She stepped forward, rounding the final pillar and peering at the couple. To her surprise, Tsubomi seemed to be sitting on the other person, her face flushed and her hair messy. She asked something in a low voice, waiting a moment before pressing the question again, her whisper still indistinguishable to Hikari. Then to young girl's surprise, the other figure stretched backwards, long black hair cascading over the back of the wooden stall. In breathless words, she heard the dark haired girl reply in Yaya's familiar voice, "Quickly Tsubomi..." And with that the first year slipped backwards, disappearing from sight with a playful grin. Hikari's head span, and she stepped forward from the pillar, standing next to the end of the aisle the girls shared as she stared at the couple before her. Tsubomi was knelt on the floor before Yaya as the third year lay back in the seat, the first year's hands holding Yaya's white Spican skirt up around her waist, her face concealed by Yaya's slender thigh. As the lithe form of Hikari's room mate writhed in the seat, Tsubomi leant back, shifting her strawberry hair from her face with a flick of her neck, licking her glistening lips as she smiled vindictively at the breathless girl in front of her. Yaya looked back in agonising frustration, her eyes pleading before Tsubomi returned her attention to her previous task. Hikari stood speechless, emotions washing over her. She'd never seen two girls like this before; Hikari and Amane had never engaged in those kinds of things, Hikari content just to hold Amane's naked body, to kiss her and curl up together in the darkness, and thus far Amane had never pushed her for more. But Amane-senpai was so different to the others Hikari said to herself. Even if she had wanted more, it wouldn't have been the same with her as it might have been with them. At least, as long as it was the Amane-senpai she knew and loved, not the stranger she'd faced in the department store wearing Shizuma's dress. Watching the scene before her; Yaya's feminine form arching across the stall, Tsubomi's soft strawberry hair cascading around them, it all seemed so different, so very, very wrong. Finally, as Yaya's breathing hastened, the third year shifted her weight slightly and her thigh dropped away, allowing Hikari to see everything; leaving nothing more to her young imagination. The Etoile's mind reeled, and images flashed before her of Yaya pressing herself against the tiny blonde in the confines of their dormitory, of Amane stood in the changing room wearing the burgundy cocktail dress, of Shizuma and Nagisa locked in a passionate embrace on the sofa at the summer house. The gut wrenching feeling of anxiety and unease that had hit her as she stood outside the changing rooms, that had led her to tears the previous evening washed back over her in stifling waves, threatening to overwhelm her. Self-doubt consuming the tiny Spican, she saw images in her mind of the elegant Amane-senpai atop Star Bride, the image warping hideously into the strange woman staring back at her from the department store changing room. She wanted to scream but couldn't, an anxious feeling of being dirty and unclean smothering her. She looked down at her hands as she held her palms up towards her face. 'Is this what Amane-senpai sees in me?' She asked herself, staring blankly at the stone floor of the cathedral. 'Is this what I truly am?' And then she looked up, her attention drawn by Yaya's gasp as her back arched and her eyes closed, tensing for a moment before collapsing into Tsubomi's waiting arms. Something snapped, and in a shrill tone, Hikari opened her mouth and screamed. Eyelids shut tight, her hands curled into fists so tight that her finger nails drew blood, she stood at the end of the aisle, her lungs burning as she let loose the ear piercing cry. The two girls huddled in the stalls jumped with a start, and Yaya pushed Tsubomi off her as she hurriedly pulled her skirt down, turning to see the tiny form of the Spican Etoile running towards the cathedral door. Confusion and her post-orgasm comedown washing over her, Yaya's heart thumped, panic overwhelming as she struggled to her feet, racing off after her room mate, unsure of what to do but unwilling to let her go whilst so hysterical. Hikari burst from the cathedral, stumbling over the steps before collapsing on the snow covered ground beyond. She crawled forward a few paces and then came to a halt, kneeling on the spot, rocking back and forth as she clutched herself. She stayed there, despite the icy chill of the snow on her shins and the wind cutting into her through the thin fabric of her Spican uniform, the Etoile's heavy overcoat lying discarded behind her where she'd originally fallen. All the time, she continued to scream, the same shrill pitch piercing the air. Yaya burst through the door behind her, scrambling down the steps before skidding to a halt next to the crumpled figure in the snow. She reached a hand out to touch the young Etoile on the ground before her, calling over the noise, "Hikari-chan?" Hikari's head snapped to face her, and as Yaya moved to touch her shoulder, the screaming stopped, Hikari's blue eyes flaring with an unfocused stare. She snarled defensively, "Don't touch me!" She continued, seemingly delirious and cradling herself gently, "Stop touching me, all of you! Get away, get away from me! I don't want it, I don't like it..." The shouting subsided, overwhelmed by rising tears and heavy sobs, becoming a mumble of gibberish. She fell forward, huddled in a ball in the snow, repeating over and over, "I want to go home, I want to go home..." Frightened and unnerved by the young Etoile's reaction, Yaya knelt next to her, helplessly staring at the sobbing figure in wide eyed horror and concern.
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