Reincarnated Into A Dead Woman's Body In Another World-Chapter 375: Arc 5, - 69: Lune Rose Floraison

"Are you done yet?"

"No, just finishing up some last bits," Hotaru hollered over from the vanity towards the open door—a pen of eyeliner in hand.

"We have to leave in fifteen minutes, I didn’t expect you to be late," Jotou poked her head in and held the doorframe with both hands on either side.

"Sorry housecat, sometimes it just takes a little more time," Hotaru kept her sights in the mirror as she raised the eyeliner.

Her ankle-high leather boots of maroon thumped against the wood as she walked in wearing a dull orange skirt that went past the knees and was kept away, aided by an unseen petticoat underneath.

Three buttons of copper hue went down the secured stone-grey vest that had ruffles along her waist and some around the buttons.

Under it, a white shirt with a few bits of extra fabric around the shoulders and the wrists to give it some textural designs—around her collar had a large silk floppy bowtie of white that rested above the top of her vest.

With her face adorned in light bits of makeup, she tightened her lips before she exhaled, "Come on, let me do it."

Before Hotaru could even place a dot on her eyelid, Jotou had gently swiped away the eyeliner she held. The redhead’s brows furrowed-

The blonde took Hotaru by the chin and angled it to face her. Hotaru’s eyes widened instead. "Eye down please," Jotou stared.

The redhead fluttered her lashes a smidgen before adhering to her request. Jotou held her chin softly and began drawing it onto her eye—deft and smooth, like the strokes of a brush.

Hotaru’s tail shifted from side-to-side and let out a little hum from her lips as her face took on a pinkish hue. She leaned into the soft fingers that held her and gazed into the smoky quartz-like eyes that watched back, filled with a familiar concentration.

Before she could be enveloped by a sweet smell. "There."

Both eyes were done and she checked the mirror, "Wow—even little wings. This is technically our first date, I wanted to make sure everything was just right," her fangs glistened.

"So overdramatic," Jotou tipped the redhead’s chin up and cocked a brow.

"Hmph."

Jotou let go and turned around—her wavy blonde hair was in her usual ponytail, but the end of it was bunched up and made an upside-down bouquet of fresh thundering blitzes that floated the sharp sweet scent behind her with every step she moved.

The wolf-girl admired her from the back for a moment before she spoke, "Aren’t you just enchanting with all those flowers~"

Jotou twisted her head to the side, "Fumeko’s dad got a bouquet of it from the florist like I asked. Apparently he got asked who died. Now, come on, grab your bag."

"Give me a minute, just some mascara left," Hotaru picked it up off the vanity. "What’s the rush?"

Jotou pouted, "I don’t wanna miss the sunset."

"The Sun won’t go away if we’re a few minutes late, even if there’re hundreds of carriages in the way."

"You better hope you’re right or you’ll never hear the end of it."

"Oh I know," Hotaru laughed as she applied her final few touches of makeup and sprayed on some perfume. She got up with a huff of her breath and slung a leather satchel that slanted from her waist to her hip—attached it to it was a pouch with her belongings.

Looking in the mirror, her crimson hair had been tied into a low side ponytail that rested over her shoulder and cascaded down her frontside.

An off-shoulder blouse of white hue billowed around her arms, cinched at the wrists with delicate copperish-red ribbons that trailed along the sleeves and her neckline, matching the embroidery of golds and rusty reds.

Pale dark red was the skirt that flowed down to her ankles, embroidered with rose and thorn-like patterns in gold and a few splatters that looked like sloshes of beer out of a tavern mug.

Over it, matching the satchel, a leather corset hugged her waist, accentuating her figure, though she kept herself as modest as she could with her outfit. "I’m ready."

Meanwhile, downstairs stood another woman at the ready. Short brown hair tucked behind her ears and under a purple headband—she wore something that had recently been altered to fit her.

A dress of white; blank at the top outside of a few silver engravings and below the waist till the ankles, were several floral patterns against white—sunflowers, roses in bloom, white petals, loose lines for stems and leaves around some.

The same explosion of the flowery array was decorated around a short cotton jacket that did not even reach her waist; it had an open front and long white sleeves that the patterns twirled down.

"Look at you looking all neat," Hotaru complimented as her and the blonde descended down the steps. "Alicia’s hand-me-downs fitting you well?"

"Since it’s been tailored," Fumeko shifted her shoulder. "And you look pretty too."

"No compliments for me detective?" Jotou cooed.

"I already gave it to you," she squinted back.

"A second one wouldn’t hurt," Jotou stuck her tongue out.

"You haven’t even complimented your own date and you want something?" Hotaru side-eyed.

"Do I have to remind you every time that you’re beautiful?" Jotou giggled.

Fumeko’s eyes glazed over, "Eugh... Are there pheromones in the air or something?"

"It’s a romantic day Meko, even you have a date. Where is she?" Hotaru looked around the house.

"She’s already on her way to Cape Iris. So, I’ll have to be in a carriage with the both of you... for nearly two hours thanks to the traffic..."

"Seriously, what do you think we’re gonna do Meko?" Jotou queried.

"Fair point," Fumeko shrugged. "I don’t usually do makeup, how does it look? It’s from the stuff Tiffany gave me."

Jotou examined the brunette’s face a little closer, "Looks good. A little too good from eyes to lipstick," she raised a brow.

"For your information, I did the lipstick myself. The rest was, all, Sobi," she admitted.

"You’ll learn soon enough if you keep at it," Hotaru checked her watch.

"I don’t wanna keep at it. Sure, it looks nice, but... I don’t know. It’s not my thing—feels prissy."

"Might grow on you. It doesn’t have to be a big change, a little here and there doesn’t hurt. Look at Jotou," Hotaru exemplified.

Jotou’s head turned to the redhead, "I don’t take hours doing it and can pick an outfit in ten seconds—max. Don’t act like I’ve fully committed to this."

"Exactly," Fumeko added. She glanced to Hotaru with near-flawless skin and then to Jotou, who she knew had noble lineage. ...There were, simply better uses for her time, she thought...

"Honk! Honk!"

"Carriage’s here," Hotaru strolled over to the door.

A gasp came from upstairs, "Everyone’s leaving already!?" Then another gasp followed as Asobi came down the steps further, "And you’re all so pretty!"

"You sure you don’t wanna come Sobi?" Jotou glanced up.

"Hmmm, I’m sure it’ll be a super fantastic amazing wonderful festival, but I should probs study. I don’t have a date anyway," she beamed. "All of you have to have fun for me instead!"

"We’ll certainly try," the blonde replied before she opened the door and stepped out. "After you," Jotou bowed and smirked with her hand on the knob.

"As to be expected," Ms Kinoshita walked through elegantly.

Fumeko groaned as the two went outside and Asobi ran back upstairs.

"Kiddo."

Fumeko turned around and a few steps above where Asobi was, was now her father.

"Stay safe, be back by ten. Same goes for everyone; have your fun, but be ready for tomorrow," he told.

"Yeah dad, I know."

He took a deep breath, "First date, right?"

"Uhhh..." she shrunk into her shoulders. "Y-yeah... Tiffany, remember?"

"I don’t forget kid," he paused for a second. "Listen, if she does anything you don’t like, if she goes too far or hurts you in any way-"

"Dad! Nothing. Nothing like that’s gonna happen, I can take care of myself, bye," Fumeko slurred, then blinked out the door and shut it before her face scrunched up any further.

She rubbed her face into her palms- Or she was about to, till she realized she could not with her makeup on and paused with her fingers about to touch her face. She took a deep breath and sighed, before she approached the carriage and joined the other two.

_

Permeated by fresh ocean breeze of salt and spring flowers that the smaller flora found themselves drifting in, was the sharp point and largest harbour in Dolpool.

North of Cape Iris were the ports that faced the Luxinorian Gulf. Towards the east however, was a bridge connecting the Moonflower Isles to the mainland.

Made of wood, now centuries old after several renovations, each bit of moss and colouration of wood had its own story to tell. Upon wide dark planks rested a carnival of colours and flowers and life.

Stretching across the entire length from the mainland to Pink Island were booths and stalls, filled with activities and severely overpriced goods all in the name of it being a once in a year spectacle.

Even outside the mouth of the bridge, wonders and beautiful arrangements lied, bewitching anyone to enter. Cape Iris was also known to have the largest festival for the Lune Rose Floraison after all.

A clear magical enchantment had been cast into the air, making flower petals of all hues to flutter and fly around the entire event and a swarm of them could be seen over and around Pink Island in the distance.

Carrying the scents of any flower that fell or were purposefully thrown, the air melodiously caressed their senses as the three approached the grand display, filled with people who were all equally if not more ostentatiously dressed.

It was no gala or noble event, hence no oversized gowns or suits of various trims. But there were simple yet intricate and small details in the fashion they wore, that gave a simple charm to it all, while still having just a pop of airs.

The City of Fashion and Flare seemed to truly bloom here, much like the season had brought to the flora. They walked inwards, past the all the couples in each other’s arms and into the festivities.

Twilight scattered across the sky like paint on a canvas—blues, purples, oranges, reds, pinks and violets too. Cotton candy sold by the vendors mimicked the clouds drifting above, whilst the sky was reflected in the flowing waves that crashed against the bridge’s legs. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

The Sun was setting and in the dusk, the full moon lit up in white shined down with the first few stars in attendance. "Ah, mine paramour arrives. Tis a wonder thou arrived, ere to eventide’s approach."

Striding briskly with her doll-like black dress shaped like a dome from waist and below, was Tiffany adorned with red primroses in a wreath around her head. Her blonde hair cascaded in drill ringlets a little past her shoulders.

Embroidered with rose patterns from top-down, the hem of her dress past her knees were layered with ruffles and frills, and lined with a small red ribbon, then a dark red rose of silk, all around in alternating order.

Four bigger silk roses were attached around her waist, connected by a small chain of fake pearls at the front. She wore a brooch of a red rose made of rhinestones and another of a blood-red bat-shaped one, both on her left side above her chest.

And Fumeko’s eyes darted to the face of her date; makeup had been beautifully painted onto her face, not a smudge or a flaw as she blinked and fluttered her lashes. An eyepatch with a fresh red poppy over it she wore.

The brunette blushed as Tiffany walked up to her and took her by the hand. "May I escort thou from thine company?"

Fumeko let go of the stare she held on the pale blonde and gave a nod, "Please." The two skittered away.

"Being with us wasn’t that bad, was it?" Hotaru watched the two rush off into the festival.

To that, no reply was made.

Hotaru turned, only to notice Jotou’s chin was tipped up, watching the flower petals drift past her eyes and carried by a never-ending wind. The redhead paused and smiled, gazing as Jotou’s lips slowly parted and her eyes sparked.

"I’ll never get tired of magic," the blonde uttered. She faced back down to her date, "A beautiful night awaits and I’m with the most stunning lady here. Shall we firefly?" she giggled and put her hand out.

"Well of course we shall Ms Howllett," taking the hand that was offered, the two strolled into the festival, basked in dusk light. Seafaring birds flew over head and chirped, the thick wood sturdy to the steps of hundreds.

Stalls by the dozen, boasted knickknacks and accoutrement for couples to match with. A tent flared out in purples and hosted various readings for couples, from oracular predictions to cartomancy.

"Wanna check our fortune?" Hotaru peered up.

’Why do I feel like someone’s watching me? Is it just because I’m pretty or the Thundering Blade...?’ Jotou glanced away from the moving crowd. "Mmh, I don’t really believe that stuff."

"Oh? The same person who said she wouldn’t be tired of magic?" her fangs glistened.

"Magic can exist in this world, but so can charlatans; remember Asobi’s ringmaster?" she raised a brow.

"No need to remind me."

"Wouldn’t it be better to be left unknown anyway? The future isn’t set in stone and no card or orb can dictate what we do with our lives; they’re mostly psychological effects meant to draw people in.

Even if it’s real, it’s much better it stays a mystery, instead of being hopeful or disappointed by an arbitrary and vague reading with only a set number of possibilities.

We’re masters of our own fate, so wouldn’t it be better to solve it and see where we end up ourselves~?" Jotou drifted Hotaru away by the hand and smiled.

Hotaru’s ears flickered and she shook her head with a silly half-cocked grin, "It’s just for fun housecat."

"You say that now," Jotou muttered. ’All it takes is one bad reading to jumpstart any and all paranoia—that’ll become a self-fulfilling prophecy.’ "Those flowers are pretty," the blonde took notice.

The wolf-woman looked to the florist stall and what bloomed by the dozen were small flowers with medium petals and very long green stems.

They approached to see all of its colours, ranging from yellows to reds and blues to purples. However, fuzzy bits of cotton-like puffs sat under the flower on the stem, like the flowers wore a puffy plush fur coat around their collars in the same hues of their petals.

"Burntish fur-blossoms," Hotaru uttered.

"Three silver per stalk miss," a young boy manning the stall and making sales to customers whirled around them to say.

They watched the boy go around. "Bit expensive for a single flower," Jotou murmured.

"It’s a festival, it’s not unexpected. They are still prized flowers, worth eight or nine copper I’d think. At least these ones look like they’ve been cared for extremely well," Hotaru leaned down to sniff.

"Would probably still wilt in a week," Jotou replied. "Are these the flowers of Burnetrout?"

"They’re from Burnetrout and they are exported all over the world, but no, the Burntish flower would be the phoenix flower."

"And what do those look like?"

Hotaru got up with a few Burntish fur-blossoms in her hand and checked the stall, "None of them seem to be here."

Green leaves shaped like feathers—a bell-shaped flower of six or so large petals bloomed upwards, weightless from its stem. The petals were a blazing orange tint that got lighter till the tip of the petal.

A few stripes of yellows surrounded some. The inner petals took on hues of pale yellows and a second layer of much smaller petals sat within in the same bell-like shape.

Five or six stamens stuck out, flowing from the breeze of anyone walking by. Each little stamen hosted dozens of dark orange, leaf-shaped pollen that resembled feathers. Some swore there was a light glow, as if embers came off of the flowers.

Three such flowers were made into a little bouquet and was in the hands of a pale blonde who just bought them. "Lovely are they not?"

"Where do you wear it," Fumeko looked at it.

"Upon thy wrist or thy hand."

"Can I see it?" the brunette put her hand out and Tiffany gave it to her.

Fumeko peered at it for a moment, before her complexion went a little red... Her eyes darted to Tiffany, before Fumeko slowly got onto one knee and put her empty hand out.

Tiffany’s eye widened and her arms retracted to her chest. "W-what-"

"Just give me your hand, quick," she grumbled.

"Oh my..." Tiffany nervously put her left hand out, while the smile crept up on her face alongside the pinkish flush.

Without much difficulty, Fumeko tied the white ribbon underneath the corsage around Tiffany’s dainty wrist. Some passersby took a glimpse at the scene with a smile and walked past. A romantic gesture was anywhere to be seen here after all.

Fumeko got up and dusted off anything that might’ve dirtied her clothing. "You look, really pretty," she rushed the words out and tried to keep her eyes connected to hers.

"Y-you look, you’re- Ahem. Thine visage is fairly appealing and attractive in the eyes of the void. Simple a garment as it may be, one wonders what lies beneath."

"Hah?" Fumeko’s eyes widened.

The act of elegance she tried to put on faded as quickly as it was adorned, "N-no, I mean what you’re wearing is very m-modest and looks nice- N-not very revealing I mean, not in a perverted way," her hands covered her face.

Fumeko swiftly took Tiffany’s hand and held it downwards, "N-no, it’s fine, I don’t mind it either way. I just didn’t expect to hear it, that’s all," the flustered brunette looked into the crowd as shadows glimmered in her eyes.

"Oh, great..." the blonde took a moment to de-fluster herself. With a soft breath, she held Fumeko’s hand a little tighter, "Shall we proceed further inwards then?"

"Sure."

The twilight slowly shimmered with more stars as more time went by and as the Sun began to fully set, quite literally everyone, looked up to the sky with bated breath.

Colours faded from the sky, going into a darker night as the stars glimmered so bright. The white of the Moon began to slowly fade and the Moon began to turn pinker and pinker.

Through the flowers flowing in the air, pure pink moonlight shone down on Burnetrout, a view even more cherished by those at the coast, to watch a near-cloudless sky and a pink moon bless the night of lovers.

Hotaru hummed as she marvelled at the Moon and the blonde both. "I wanted to bring you here immediately after I heard about it in Cravolta. I knew you’d love it; you only get to watch this sky once a year in Burnetrout. It’s magical isn’t it?"

Jotou held a pleasant smile, "Definitely... ...Though, it’s less magic and probably a difference in the refraction of light," she teased and her eyes sparked a little.

"Always a sceptic," her fangs glistened—her hair now adorned with four purplish-blue Burntish fur-blossoms at around where her hair was resting her shoulder.

"Kept me alive so far."

"Well, I’d like to think it’s magic this time," her tail swayed.

"I didn’t say it wasn’t," she stuck her tongue out. "It’s still beautiful and might as well be a work of magic, whether you understand how it works or not," petals fluttered and got trapped in some of her hair as she continued to walk ahead, prompting Hotaru to do the same so she could keep ahold of her hand.

Somewhere else on the bridge, Tiffany stared at the sky with a childlike awe, holding the hand of another while she basked in the rosy light. She gazed to her left, expecting the same of her date, but... "Detective?"

Fumeko’s head was turned, her eyes darting around behind her, "Hm?"

"What troubles thou?"

She replied with furrowed brows, "It feels like, someone’s watching us. I swear I just saw someone dart away."

"Perhaps it is thy imagination? Strangers often fortuitously take a gander while in public."

"It might be related to the case..."

Tiffany sighed, "Fret not for every answer detective or thou may miss the present."

Fumeko side-eyed the pale blonde for a moment and let out a huff through her nose. Then her eyes softened and she let it go, "Yeah, you may be right."

She glanced up, "I always saw it through a window. It looks way nicer here... with you," Fumeko closed her agape mouth and looked to her right.

Tiffany blushed, "One such as myself has had an experience so similar."

While from above the spectacle was one of nature, below the bridge was one of magic. Reflected in the waters that waved and rippled, was the starry night sky, so clear that it glowed and shimmered its own light from below.

The entire bridge lit up with lights of gold and pinks, down till the island in the distance. All the flowers and petals in the air danced, now with an amber glow, like they were lit up by embers.

"You mean, these earrings are made for that?" Hotaru said with a little shock in her voice to the shopkeeper. She beheld all sorts of jewellery and ribbons, able to be tied or clipped on with ease.

The woman in a simple white shirt and dark attire behind the booth replied, "Made specifically with part-humans in mind. More of a risk and more painful to pierce ears like yours."

Hotaru held some of them in her hand that had rather pointed and downwards shape made for different ear types, "You’d find nothing like this sold normally in Kria."

"Kria huh. Never been. Actual owner of the business is down south at another festival. If you ever come down to Belle-Ventrialis, ask for the Joux Argentee."

"I will. Though, I’m not sure if I’d get used to things weighing down my ears," the redhead contemplated.

"Well, there’s other stuff here," Jotou glanced through. "What’s this?" she pointed to what looked like a few long smooth silver sticks, but only attached at the end.

"Bond chains, not for everyone," the lady replied and picked one up whilst her hand shuffled and jingled some of the other jewellery to entice them. "It takes a tad, but it’s made specially for lovers, married couples, the sort.

Sometimes it’s attached with your partner’s blood in a small amulet, preserved tears in a little charm or this one specifically," she held up the silver, "Intertwined with your partner’s hair and made into a chain, bracelet or an anklet, whatever’s possible."

’What the heck have I stumbled into...’

"Interested? Eight gold a piece, twelve for two."

Jotou knitted her brows.

"Well," Hotaru looked to the other. "It’s just a little trinket for fun. Not like a few hairs off your head is gonna be the end of the world."

"It’s... charming in a way? Sure," Jotou gave in. "How do we even?" Jotou took her own ponytail into her hands.

"Oh not to worry at all," the woman lifted her hand and both of them felt little pricks around their head, before a few loose strands of hair drifted away from them both and floated into the grasp of the woman, who separated the red strands and... black?

"Sorry, my hair’s enchanted to be blonde for the night," Jotou smiled.

"Not a worry either," the woman had a little box she placed the hairs in; the metal melted like mercury with a puff of some spell and she began to shape it, "What suits your fancies?"

"A necklace sounds nice," Hotaru gave a shrug to the blonde.

"I’ll just do a bracelet. Do we get a discount for less metal used?" Jotou queried.

"It’s adjustable. You can come back when you’re leaving and I’ll have it ready by then; and I can remove any excess metal and you may keep it."

"Come on," Hotaru hooked Jotou by the arm and brought her along down the bridge.

While the spectacle of the night continued, hour after hour, the island having similar decorations and themes along its coast, many came and went throughout the festival, basking in the roseate moonlight.

A small wooden platform off of the island, led into the waters that glimmered. However, couples would walk down the wooden steps and onto the water itself. Music played from a large orchestral band on the wood.

Some flower petals fell into the sea as they fluttered and flew most of all above and around this platform. Jotou lightly pressed the tip of her shoe onto the surface of the water; it rippled, but it did not get her shoe wet.

Instead, it took on her weight as she tested further and stood atop the water itself. The water rippled to each footstep she took before she turned and gave her hand to Hotaru, who tested the water herself and took her girlfriend’s hand towards the water.

Couples danced and swayed to the melody of violins, flutes, harps and soft drums, all atop the water’s surface.

Careful of the edge where the water seemed no longer to be enchanted, Jotou placed a hand on the redhead’s waist and Hotaru responded with a little hum and a smirk before she placed her hand on the blonde’s shoulder.

Joining everyone else, the two began to sway in rhythm—their free hands holding one another’s. In circles they swayed over rippling water and under flickers of lights from flying petals.

Wordlessly their gazes intertwined, brilliant blue and quartz-like brown. Jotou’s eyes sparked—Hotaru followed suit with a haughty smirk as her eyes flickered a sprinkling of blue rainwater.

Slowly but surely, time passed unbeknownst or disregarded by the two. Both of Hotaru’s arms wrapped around the blonde’s shoulders and Jotou’s hands went around the other’s waist as they continued their sway.

Meanwhile, leaning against the wooden handrail of the bridge, two overlooked the dancers from a distance. Both had some colourful concoction that bubbled and smelled of alcohol, while a flower or two floated in it.

Fumeko stared off into the distance. Tiffany shifted closer to the brunette and spoke, "Does thou wish to waltz upon the waves under the glory of the Lune Rose?

Blessed be the couples that do, to find a love so eternal. Hearts intertwined with another, such as so fate beguiles them and guides them to a course of amorous splendour. Come, the void beckons thee!"

"A moon isn’t gonna dictate how a relationship goes, no matter how pink it gets," Fumeko took a sip of her drink. "Sorry, I don’t really wanna dance. We can just enjoy it though."

Tiffany pouted a little... then leaned shoulder-to-shoulder with Fumeko, "Be it so then. Let us enjoy the last of tonight."

"Yeah, it’s a nice night to enjoy," the brunette smiled as her hair waved with the wind and petals. "I always didn’t think much of the Lune Rose Floraison. I hoped, but never thought I’d actually get to be here with a date."

The pale blonde let out a small echo of a melody for a few seconds in joy. "I am honoured. One such as mineself thought it not conceivable either. Tales tell of the Lune Rose Floraison revelries being much grander and prodigious in Belle-Ventrialis."

"Not like we can go there today," Fumeko replied.

"There’s always next year," the eccentric woman glanced towards the sea.

Fumeko adjusted her bangs, "Thanks for tonight. It’s been special," her voice grew to a much softer tone than usual. "I only worry about tomorrow."

Tiffany’s brows scrunched up with concern, "Does thou not believe to be successful?"

"It’s just a creeping feeling. Something just doesn’t feel right about the case and I don’t know what; it’s getting to me. Maybe, I’m just stressed."

Tiffany gave a warm beam of her lips, "It’ll be alright. I’m sure if anything does happen, you’ll be able to pull through. So says the void."

Fumeko turned to face the other, "Thanks." She leaned forward, to which Tiffany closed her eyes. This time, Fumeko stole a much longer kiss and let go with a satisfied, smug grin, having tasted a little sweetness of the alcohol Tiffany had sipped.

On the water still, the two danced and swayed till they were at the centre of it all. Jotou pretty much loathed having to say it, "We should be going back, shouldn’t we."

"Hmm... But this is nice," Hotaru’s ears folded down. "Time always stops when I’m with you like this."

"We can dance again firefly," she giggled.

"Not like this, no?" the redhead smiled.

"I’m sure it’ll be enchanting wherever we are."

The two shared a sigh as they shared the same breath.

"I think people’ve figured out the Thundering Blade and Azure Firefly are here," Jotou raised a brow.

"I’m sure the world already knows we’re in Burnetrout at this point. And if they don’t, they’ll find out tomorrow anyway. It’s been nice not having to hide or use illusions to go out in public too many times," Hotaru replied.

"That being said, it’ll be nice to be a little more active in politics again."

"Nice?" Hotaru sarcastically put.

"Oh use whatever word you want, you know what I mean. For now though, I really want to kiss you," Jotou whispered into her ears.

"Pervert," her ears flapped.

"How in the hell is that perverted," Jotou smiled and they swayed, forehead against forehead. Gradually their faces drew closer and embraced in each other’s warmth, before their lips met and they kissed, not knowing when they would ever release.

_

The lights of the house were shut and everyone had gone to their rooms. Same went for Fumeko, except this time, Tiffany followed the brunette into her room.

Closing the door and their heartbeats beating frantically in the shut and dead silent room, the two stared at each other... Neither of them knowing what was to start or how to.

Her room was lit in a pinkish glow from the window, leaving the two in quite and awkward position. In fear of losing the moment, Fumeko took a few steps forward and kissed the pale blonde once more.

Tiffany in response, kissed back—deeper. Both their feet unceremoniously moved across the floor, until Tiffany gave a soft push and Fumeko fell and sat on her bed...