Sorry, no Sachiko and Yumi in this chapter, but I thought it was a good time to bring in the other characters without the stars of this fiction stealing the spotlight... for once :P...

I do not own Maria-sama ga Miteru.

Chapter 4: Reservations About Sisters.

It had taken less than an afternoon before others found out about Sachiko's arrangement. First, it was Toko, and followed quickly by Yoko, and rightfully so. Having tried to contact her younger seour, she was informed of the new arrangement almost immediately. Sei soon followed, but Yoko knew that was expected. Before the end of the afternoon, they found themselves reliving their youth. Having what would have been considered a student council meeting...had they still been in high school anyway. Tea, cookies...gossip...and, sob stories. How long had it been since they truly got together like this? Yoko wasn't exactly sure. There were many different views, and yet, some never could agree. Ah, yes...it was exactly like the good ole days.

There was once at time that they would sit like this as if it was as important as air itself. For some of them, it quite possibly did give them their breath. Many wishes were granted here, and others were easily received. Sadly, so too, were the hardships that gifted them on any common day. "I can't say I understand why she's doing this. Only that I do understand." Yoko smiled softly for those around the table. Oh, how wonderful memories were, when they came flooding back during times like this. "Sachiko may still be under my wing, but, she is more or less her own person, just as she has always been. It wouldn't do for us, jumping into such conclusions isn't going to help." She placed down her cup of tea, the fine china something beautiful. Pristine white, golden trim, and a pink flower, a perennial, decorating the side.

"Leaving her family as she has done, it isn't like Sachiko." Old members, the original roses, debated worriedly inside the plain room. This was the home, the mansion a place of peace, and now, also a place of refuge. In times of such trials, it was almost logical retuning back into the safety of such childlike days. All of them, they were raised into the women they were, all because of this mansion. In the eyes of fans, this place was made for only them. In the eyes of themselves, this place was a shelter from the harsh winds, the ones that often frightened them deeply. "We can't help but hold concern." Eloquent as always. Shimako was the one who had always protected Yumi, even when at first, that protection was from the people in this room.

"Confusing, I know." Sei knew well of that protection, and also pitied Shimako for such feelings. Perhaps it was because Sei held the blame, it was her idea in the first place. "I act off of requests, wishes, and wants. If I say, I do. If I am asked, I respond." She hadn't touched her tea, in her mind, this was a waste of time. "I react when reaction is needed, I pause when none is required. I just am. I am a rose just as you girls are. What color I am, well it doesn't honestly matter, does it? Roses are roses. Color doesn't matter when one lives in black and white. I think, Sachiko has begun the road in learning that for herself. You shouldn't worry."

"Isn't that just a bit deep for you?" Rei was the one asking that particular question. Unlike the other girls, she stood near the window, her gaze fixed on the tree outside as if hoping that her blank stare would give her an answer. "This is Sachiko we are speaking about. She's been hurt, don't you think this will only make her despise men even more? It wouldn't be right, allowing this to continue on as if nothing happened. Even you should not act so nonchalant about such an emotional matter. In fact, given the situations you have been placed in, One would assume you would be one of the most concerned."

"I, myself live without color. It is because of this, that I think I understand her reasons." Sei's simplistic response was spoken with a smile. Sadly, everyone knew that it hadn't reached her eyes. Her mind was filled with it's own affairs of personal tragedy. "As much as Sachiko has attempted in making herself happy, she can not do it herself. No one can not live without light, hope, and dreams." She quieted then, as if her speech patterns were becoming too dark for her liking. It was Yoko's warm hand she felt that gave her the strength to go forward with her thoughts. "For her, none has really been gifted. No light shines into her lonely heart, and so she sees everything as if it were pale night. They say it is darkest before dawn, I truly hope this is so, because if that is truth, she will be gifted the morning hope without us."

"You speak very poetically. Could it be, that perhaps Shiori has influenced the discussion? It is unlike you, speaking as you have." Eriko wasn't often so deep either. Simplicity was her way of life, but it wasn't only Sei who understood the pains. "I think I understand what you mean. If it is truly the way you feel, I too can attest that this situation isn't only about their relationship. I believe, that her father is more upset because of what it may mean. She is, of course, the only one capable of inheriting everything, that includes his many companies. She alone, is not powerful enough. She would need to marry a man, or at the very least, find a very noble woman with extremely powerful ties."

"Yumi isn't of the status needed." Yoko agreed. "It is a pity really. However, the value of understanding family legacy was something even I was forced into understanding. I know well of that pressure, and that was why I refused marriage. It would have been easy, accepting a ring out of obligation. However, what happiness would that have offered me? None. So, while at the moment, my heart is empty, it is not devoid of warmth." Yoko was Sachiko's elder sister, it would have been wrong to instill the values she did, teaching the girl rebellious behavior, if she herself didn't act in kind. "I would never take away something held so dearly. Love, especially under any god, should be a choice. Never an obligation."

Sei smiled, her eyes meeting Yoko's. It was no secret that they shared something of a more intimate nature. Of course, even if it was consensual, they hadn't bound themselves for only one another. Many often wondered just how deeply tied they were. It was a mystery how far they had gone. As if a silent agreement had been made, Sei looked back upon the faces of her friends. "I am lucky I have what little I do. It would be amusing if anyone actually believes the trash that hides the truth about real faith. It seems as if the powers that be, tend to like to provoke me, hurt me, anger me. Even among the roses, I felt as if no one understood the true pain. It was an unspoken law, no one ever uttered of the pain I endured."

"You honestly feel as if we should leave them alone based on this?" Rei, again asked, trying to read past Sei's often hidden emotions.

"I thought, in my heart of hearts I would be with Shimako." It wasn't a lie, it wasn't unfounded. Dirty laundry did seemingly gather in open places. For the three families, that wasn't much different. In fact, it had become more of a tradition, airing such things prevented fights later. Among them, it was quite common, and far more justified than hidden rumors and half truths. "Shiori placed too much faith within god, I could not soil her." Sei continued, explaining what was already known. "It is also because of Shimako's wish, that I know I wavered. Shiori wanted the same basic thing. My heart sometimes trembles in fear that I may lose the one I love, all because of a higher power. It was my understanding, that because Yumi was so free, I would never have had those worries. Sachiko may feel the same."

"Stop speaking so casually!" Yoshino shouted, standing and slapping her hand upon the clothed table like a judge would a hammer. Her eyes that of sadness, as if she didn't approve of any of this. "We should confront her father and deal with him ourselves. We can't expect them to do this alone." She was turning her head violently, her feelings so full of animosity it was unsure who would speak. Even Rei was shocked by such an overt outburst.

Eyes all across the table played a game of roulette. If there had been a gun, it would have fired a warning clack when Toko stood it. "It isn't that easy." Her body was ridged. "Don't you understand the history my family has? It's so convoluted that even if I am only an extended member, even I hear the whispers. Sachiko already faces enough trials. The fact that she is marrying her cousin, that in and of itself, is already stirring a controversy waiting to explode." Toko placed her gaze on the floor. She was still so ashamed. "My failures, they were not...they were not so widely broadcast...if it was for my well being, I do not know. Perhaps, it was just a discomforting subject. I won't ever know, will I?"

Yoko nodded, picking up the previous conversation. "Yumi is the type of girl who's influential. That's why I like her. She trusts more freely than most. Although, she gives others freely of her emotions, she is not the type that forces ideals. If Sachiko does not return home, she will have renounced her name. If that turns out to be the case, then, and only then, will I suggest that we offer her our support. Until then, I will place my faith in Yumi, that she will protect Sachiko, teach her the the world is far more grand than she can see by merely appeasing her father." It was then her cellphone ran, and she excused herself so that she could take the call.

"Speaking of a woman who learned that lesson just a little too late." Eriko sighed gesturing at the door that closed behind Yoko. With lament, she recalled that entire situation. "She may have turned down the wedding, but she surely didn't fight hared enough." She was still forced into producing an heir. "I still don't see why she can't just adopt a child when she's ready. What do men have that we don't?"

"Sperm." Sei bluntly supplied making the table groan in annoyance. "What? It isn't like a girl can't pack..." Shimako just quietly shook her head and sighed as the entire group eyed Sei with a mix of confusion and slight disgust for even mentioning that aloud.

"It would bring dishonor." Rei answered, bringing the conversation back out of the gutter. "And besides that, it's scandalous. At least for us it is." She knew all about family obligations. "My parents are still displeased that Yoshino and I were involved in less than appropriate behavior. I don't exactly have a big name to uphold either. It must be far worse for Yoko, her father has a tall list of demands. Sachiko is from an even more powerful family. This must be painful for both of them. I couldn't imagine what would happen if my parents had disowned me."

"Our parent's are stiffs." Yoshino scoffed. "They'll come around once they see that we aren't just experimenting. It isn't like they didn't figure out you were gay from the womb anyway." Rei didn't comment, shaking her head. Just because she had received a few questions about looking like a man, it didn't mean she actually agreed with the sentiment. In fact, anyone who knew her, knew it was the polar opposite. "Besides that, Sachiko wasn't disowned, she left of her own free will. Good for her I say. As for Yoko, perhaps she should take a tip or two and do the same thing too her father."

"Yoko is a woman not exactly bitter, not fully soft. She is strong, and extremely dominate. She would never be happy with a man, or bearing a child purely for the sake of family name." Sei laughed at the looks she had attracted."You think I wear the pants? Well, yes, I prefer wearing slacks, not skirts, but in all reality, Yoko would kick my butt. Has done so before, actually. I can't count the times she's hit me in the back of the head when we're alone. Apparently, she doesn't find my humor funny. In fact, she's down right aggressive when I've upset Sachiko. I get my ear chewed off nine times out of ten, but, I can't help it. Nothing wrong with stirring up a little amusement." She dismissed her little truthful tale with a wave of her hand. "Honestly, though, do you really think a woman like that would submit so easily?"

No one said a word, digesting that. Sei was right. "Beyond that though, Yoko is rebellious, much like Sachiko. I think that was why she chose the girl to become apart of the rose families. Unlike Sachiko, Yoko knows what she wants, and how she must attain that goal. She is a driven woman, one who is strong and wise. Looking beyond what you see, Yoko is a gift. She is Yumi's free spirit, nurtured and warmed. Yet, she is prim and proper and she does what she needs. She is balanced, and takes life as it comes. This is something many are unable to do. Yoko likes it that way. It allows her indifference, especially in cases such as this. Her father won't ever control her."

The day went on, the table enjoying their normal gossip along with every other stressful matter that seemed to have overtaken their lives. When evening finally came they said their goodbyes and when along their separate ways. Sei walked quietly along side Yoko. The night wasn't particularly cold, but it was breezy. Just enough so, that the short sleeves on Yoko's blouse made her shiver ever so slightly. Sei held her closely, her mind on what had been the phone call from the afternoon. She wasn't normally one to pry, but it was driving her crazy. "Your parents were causing trouble again." It was a statement. Sei knew the answer.

"No more than usual." Yoko's shrugged, leaning in more closely. "They just worry about me. I'm sure that if they could see me, and know I'm doing alright, they'd be less adamant about me settling down." It was nearly amusing for Yoko, who took life and the challenges she face with a bit more class than most. She was not an easy woman, as it took Sei quite a while to learn. "I know they worry about a proper heir, but I'm just not worried about it. Honestly, there are many extended family members could could inherit the stocks and take over the companies. I don't need a man, much to their dismay."

"Are you really alright, with just leaving Sachiko alone?"
"Sei, I can't hold her hand forever."
"She needs you, now of all times."
"Shimako needed you too, constantly. Yet, you couldn't protect her forever."
"No, but I would have liked too."
"Sachiko is at that time in her life where she will have to pick her destiny."
"What if she doesn't though. You can't really expect her to. She's always been so indecisive."
"Unless she's provoked."
"Yoko..."

"No, Sei. I mean it." The shorter woman sighed, leaning her head on Sei's shoulder. "Sachiko will make a choice, she will be stubborn, and she will follow through on whatever that choice is. However, it is as I've told her before, if she were to ever cast Yumi aside so easily, I would question her, and the choice I made, making her into my younger sister. She knew then, as she knows now, that just because we are out of school, that bond has not been forgotten. I do believe it may not work out, but I do not believe that it would be any choice of hers, if it were too end in such a way. She needs Yumi, far more, than she needs anyone else in her life. That, at the very least, is how it should be.

-More to come at a later time-

So yeah, I finally found myself a part time job, but because of that, I'm kinda booked as far as uploading new chapters are concerned. I work weird hours, and since I'm still new, my hours are all random. Some days I'm nights, some days I'm mornings...yeah, it's a big jumble of confusion. It leaves me with not so much time to sit and write, but I'll still be around, and still uploading. Next chapter will have Sachiko and Yumi...