Tender Moments (ch5)

EALRY RELEASE FOR MY $30+ PATRONS! THANK YOU!

All righty round two for Maya trying to make it up to Claudine! Let's see if she does any better this time.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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														Chapter 5.

All of Seishou Academy seems to breathe a sigh of relief the next morning when everyone realizes Claudine and Maya have made up and are now holding hands and dancing together again. Their friends pull them into a happy group hug, and things return to normal.

Maya teases, Claudine reacts and relents, Maya repents, and the process repeats. The whole school gets back into the swing of things along with them.

By Saturday the two of them are up early together as always, practicing extra in the dance studio before joining their friends for games and movies.

Maya uses the entire day to plan out what she wants to do tomorrow on Sunday, and by the end of the evening she feels she's figured it all out.

Presently, they'd gotten permission to use their lounge all night long, so by midnight everyone is asleep somehow or another: Junna and Nana are slouched together on one love seat, Futaba is sitting on the floor with her back leaning against their seat and Kaoruko is lying on the floor with her head in her roommate's lap, Hikari Karen and Mahiru are snuggled up on the floor together in a tangle of blankets, and Maya and Claudine have the couch. Claudine is already half asleep lying on her back as Maya settles on top of her, pecking her lips softly.

"Get some rest, Ma Claudine. You'll need it for tomorrow."

"I expect... decent compensation from you, Tendo Maya..."

"I'll do my best."

Maya kisses her one more time and waits until she's fallen asleep before joining her.

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Perhaps it's because she's been anticipating this for a few days now, but Maya wakes earlier than the others this Sunday morning.

Claudine is still hugging her loosely as she had been when they'd fallen asleep, and Maya allows herself a few moments to enjoy her warmth and softness. She nestles against her collar, resting an ear over her heartbeat as she glances to the clock on the far wall. It's 7AM and the sunlight is just beginning to filter through the curtains.

From what she can tell the weather seems like it should be nice, as she'd seen when she'd checked yesterday. She lets the day play out in her mind as she'd planned it, smiling to herself just at the thought. She can hardly wait to make it a reality.

She lingers for a few more minutes, sighing as she indulges in the bliss of the early morning, laying with the love of her life. She listens to the soft beat of Claudine's heart for a while longer, accompanied by the pleasant rise and fall of her chest as she breathes. Every once in a while she'll make little noises that make it all the more difficult for Maya to even consider pulling away.

She lazes about for half an hour in this manner, snuggling up to her and planting tiny kisses along her collar before she finally forces herself to get up. She shivers as soon as she pulls away from Claudine's warmth, and even Claudine shifts and moans in her sleep, upset with the loss of contact.

Maya gathers the blankets that had been around them last night and drapes them over her, brushing a few fingers through her hair fondly as she does so. She leans down to leave a quick kiss on her forehead, then finally gets to her feet. She makes her way across the room, carefully stepping over a snoring Karen and manages to get to the door.

Maya retreats to her own room first to gather a change of clothes for the day. She decides on a blue plaid button-up shirt, jean shorts, and black leggings. She brings it all to the showers with her and begins to freshen up.

By the time she's dried, dressed, and brushed her teeth, the rest of the school has begun to rouse itself on this carefree Sunday morning. Maya makes her way back to the lounge room where their group had spent the night, and she can already hear voices and movement from the other side of the door.

"Karen, your snoring was too loud."

"S-Sorry!"

"My back's so stiff... Give me a massage, Futaba-han?"

"We just woke up for cryin' out loud! At least wait till later."

"Junna-chan! What should we make for breakfast?"

"Hm, I think I'm in the mood for pancakes."

But as soon as Maya enters, all of the chatter is immediately drowned out by one furious voice:

"Tendo Maya!"

Everyone, Maya included, freezes and looks to the speaker, sitting up on the couch with the blankets clutched in her fists. Claudine glares daggers at Maya, sinking them into her and silently dragging her closer. The others all read the atmosphere and quickly hurry out the door to leave them alone.

Maya slowly makes her way to the couch, but pauses about a foot away. Claudine looks her over sternly, irritably.

"Well don't you look all dressed and ready for the day. And what about me?"

Maya can't tell exactly what's set her off right away, so she treads carefully.

"You didn't think I was going anywhere without you, did I?"

If looks could kill, she knew she'd be long gone from the sheer intensity of Claudine's eyes.

"Oh, so then I suppose you didn't just up and leave me this morning. My mistake."

Maya realizes her blunder too late. Claudine may act like a wolf, but Maya knows she's nothing more than a rabbit, especially in the sense that she's prone to loneliness; more specifically, when she falls asleep with someone, she expects to wake up with them.

With a huff, Claudine's gaze droops down to her lap, and she hugs the blankets closer to herself.

"Everyone else woke up together all snuggled and warm... and where were you? Off getting ready without me..."

Sensing the danger has passed, Maya takes a seat beside her on the couch and wraps both arms around her.

"Forgive me. I'd wanted to let you sleep in a little."

"Idiot. I would've rather woken up early if it meant I didn't have to wake up alone... while everyone else had someone..."

Maya understands. Claudine might not have minded so much if they'd been alone together in the privacy of one of their bedrooms. But the fact that they'd been with the others, and that everyone else had woken up with someone beside them except for Claudine is what had upset her.

Maya sighs and hugs her a little tighter.

"You're absolutely right. I'm an idiot. Please forgive me."

"Convince me to consider it."

"Of course, mademoiselle."

Maya reaches up to cradle the side of her face, pulling her in for a sweet, early-morning kiss. She can feel Claudine relaxing now after what must have been a stressful and embarrassing five minutes alone while everyone else had someone to wake up with.

Maya truly hadn't considered things might turn out this way, so she really does try to repent with the kiss. She tucks a lock of messy hair behind Claudine's ear and eases back, fully intending to go back in for another kiss. But Claudine stops her, wrinkling her nose as she moves back.

"I haven't even gotten to brush my teeth yet. I feel disgusting."

"I assure you you're the prettiest girl on the planet."

"That's based on your standard."

"My standard is the correct one."

"Unbelievable. You are so full of yourself." But she says it with a smile, shaking her head at her hopeless romantic of a partner. "Fine. Let me get ready now and you can stay here alone and clean the place up. Maybe if you're lucky I'll come back."

"I'll wait forever if that's how long it takes."

Claudine rolls her eyes as if the action might somehow conceal the flattered blush that's appeared on her cheeks.

Maya helps her to her feet and watches her go, then gets to folding up the ruffled blankets and straightening out the room. She hasn't told Claudine where they'll be going today, but it's going to be their first proper date away from school grounds, so she wants to make sure it will be perfect. She hopes the mistake of leaving her this morning will be her only mistake today.

She finishes tidying up the room in just a few minutes. When Junna and Nana stop back in to inquire about offering assistance, Maya assures them all is well.

She sits on the couch where Claudine and herself had slept last night and once again goes over the plan for today in her mind. It doesn't take her long to think over, which is why she's a bit nervous; she hopes it will be enough.

Claudine certainly does take her sweet time, and Maya's certain it's on purpose. When she does finally re-enter, Maya feels her jaw slacken a bit.

Claudine is adorning a flowing pink sundress and matching dress shoes; the picture of spring, even though Halloween has just passed. The pink floral purse across her shoulder further adds to the theme, as does a small rose accessory tucked into her hair beside the headband. Maya can't help but feel there's a bit of an extra curl and shine to her hair as well, as if she'd put in more effort than usual.

Maya's seen her in her casual clothes, her track suit, her uniform, her revue skirts, her acting costumes, her nightgown...

But never like this. Never quite so charmingly cute.

She's certain any outfit would suit Claudine, but this one might be a bit more perfect than the others.

Claudine struts in, flipping her hair over her shoulder in an important manner.

"I do hope I didn't make you wait by yourself for too long."

Maya gets to her feet and accepts this small punishment as well.

"It was beginning to turn unbearable."

"Good. Then you know how I felt."

"You look dazzling." Maya pulls her in by the hip as if she's about to start dancing with her. It's honestly very tempting. "Not to say you don't normally look dazzling."

"You don't look half bad yourself, I suppose."

"Why thank you, mademoiselle."

Claudine smiles up at her, rose-colored eyes shining with the usual fierceness. Maya's heart skips. Perhaps it's the color or the shape of the dress on her. She can't quite figure out what it is that's so charming, but she can't resist her right now - even more so than usual.

"Claudine-" She can't help herself. "May I kiss you?"

It takes her by surprise, as Claudine blinks and tilts her head slightly before a small smirk crosses her lips.

"Oh? What's this? Weren't you the one who said that people in this sort of relationship needn't ask permission?"

Maya can feel heat in her face, and her voice is small and honest for once.

"I just wanted to make sure."

And seeing the top student Maya Tendo reverted into a coy, blushing schoolgirl sends Claudine's heart into a flutter as well. She certainly hadn't been expecting that this morning.

She gives her answer by kissing Maya first, a small tender bump of her lips.

"Of course you may."

Maya pulls her in by her waist.

"Merci."

It's a quiet kiss, warm and gentle, lacking the usual ferocity but not the emotion. There's still plenty of that.

After a moment Maya pulls back, but upon glimpsing Claudine in that dress again with her hair extra bouncy and her cheeks extra flushed, she can't help but kiss her again.

Claudine doesn't seem to mind now that she's brushed her teeth. She indulges Maya twice, then a third time and a fourth until they've both become breathless enough to part. Claudine straightens up before her this time, finding Maya's hand and giving a squeeze.

"What was that all about?"

Maya rests her forehead against hers and sighs, feeling as though she's ascended to a higher realm.

"You're simply too cute, Ma Claudine. That's all."

"You've really got to learn some restraint." Claudine says as much, but she's so flattered she can't wipe the smile off her face.

Feeling as though she's made amends for her blunder earlier this morning, Maya maintains her grip on Claudine's hand and leads her out of the room. But rather than taking her to the dining hall for breakfast, Maya has something much more appropriate in mind.

As they walk down the halls, dozens of their classmates spot them and step aside, murmuring in awe. While everyone else is dressed in pajamas and sweatshirts, these two stride down the hallway like queens.

Maya only lets go of her hand when they reach the main office to check themselves out so they may leave campus for the day, but as soon as they've stepped out into the warm autumn sunlight, their hands come back together like magnets.

Maya leads the way down the sidewalk, taking the street-side for herself. She can't help but steal another glance at her lovely date, who is made even more lovely by the richness of the natural lighting and backdrop. Still, the short sleeves of Claudine's dress worry Maya a little, given the breeze that's floating around.

"You're not cold, are you?"

Claudine lifts her chin proudly. "Not at all. It's a very nice day."

"Much nicer since you're here." Maya gives her hand a squeeze. "It's not far, I promise."

Together they walk toward town, passing small trees that sport yellow and orange leaves. The girls hold hands all the while, unashamedly.

Maya brings them past a small market and a fabric store until her destination is in sight. It's a new cafe that she's heard only good things about and has been dying to try. And now that she's bringing Claudine with her, it'll be all the more enjoyable.

Claudine looks the place over with interest as Maya gets the door for her.

"After you, mademoiselle."

"Idiot. We're in public..."

"Precisely."

It's warm and cozy inside with calming instrumental music playing and the homey scents of bread and coffee drifting on the air. Claudine guiltily orders a potato salad, a muffin, and a black coffee while Maya orders a sandwich and takes her coffee with cream and sugar.

As soon as Claudine reaches for her handbag, Maya stops her and pulls her wallet from her shorts. Claudine huffs.

"I can pay for it by myself..."

"I don't doubt that. But it's my treat, since I'm making it up to you for the other night, no?"

Claudine clicks her tongue, but can't argue since she herself had been the one to set the rules.

They take their things over to a little table by the windows and sit across from one another. Claudine gets right to her coffee, sighing as the warm bitterness blesses her stomach. Maya sips at hers with amusement.

"I'm still surprised you don't take cream or sugar."

"I'm still surprised you do."

"Care to swap? Just for a taste?"

"Are you sure it isn't just for the sake of the indirect kiss?"

"I never even considered it," Maya lies. "I suppose that could be an added bonus."

Claudine rolls her eyes. "Then I suppose it couldn't hurt."

They switch cups. Maya nods to invite her to go first.

Claudine takes a sip of the lighter coffee, cooled down by the cream. There's only a bit of sugar, but it tickles her tongue and makes her withdraw.

"It's not bad, but I couldn't drink it every day." She puts the cup down and folds her hands together, leaning forward expectantly to watch Maya's reaction.

Maya sniffs Claudine's black coffee, and just that alone makes her nose wrinkle. But this was her idea, so she downs a mouthful. The strength of it nearly makes her gag, and she immediately grabs her napkin to cover her mouth. Claudine laughs.

"Who would have guessed the infamous Tendo Maya can't handle her coffee black? Here, wash it down with your sugar." Claudine pushes her cup back to her, and Maya gratefully accepts. She takes a few sips of it before heaving a sigh.

"It's much sweeter now that your lips have graced it."

Unbelievable. She's just choked on coffee in public and she's already spouting smooth lines again. Claudine hates that she blushes at it, too.

"You're insufferable. But sweet." She leans across the table and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Now then, let's eat. I'm starving."

They start on their breakfast and settle into the calming atmosphere of the cafe. Maya soon suggests they try each other's food too, and she opens her mouth expectantly. When Claudine realizes she wants her to feed her she immediately disagrees and eats her own fork-full.

At some point a tune comes on that they both recognize, and they begin to hum it, a quiet duet that draws the attention of just about everyone around them. As if they didn't look good enough together as a couple, they sound even better.

They eat at their leisure, as Maya had made sure to choose an activity that wasn't time-sensitive so they wouldn't have to rush.

By the time they finish up and exit the cafe, the sun has become even brighter overhead. Claudine sighs blissfully as she lets it soak in.

Maya pauses for a moment to admire the way the light glows on her skin and highlights her hair silver hair with gold. Any angel could descend from the heavens right at this moment and Maya wouldn't even turn her head.

She catches herself staring just as Claudine does. Maya kisses her before she can say a word, and Claudine forgets whatever it was she'd been about to say. There's a faint aftertaste of sweet coffee lingering on their lips as they part.

Maya laces her fingers through Claudine's and gives a slight tug.

"Are you ready?"

The kiss has put Claudine in an even better mood than she'd already been in. She shrugs.

"Lead the way."

Maya takes her toward the nearest train station where they wait to board. It's awfully crowded when they do.

Maya scours the place for a pair of free seats next to each other, but she can only find one open spot. At the very least she makes sure to guide Claudine there without jostling her against the other passengers. She wraps an arm around her shoulders and keeps close to her until they make it.

"Have a seat," she offers. "It's a bit of a ride."

Claudine frowns at the single seat.

"And what about you? If you think I'm going to let you sit on my lap, you're quite sorely mistaken."

"How unfortunate. Then I'll just stand." Maya grips the nearest ring and smiles cooly.

Claudine accepts the seat as they begin to move.

But she can't relax on the train - not because anyone is encroaching on her space or bothering her, but because the men standing on either side of Maya keep conveniently swaying and bumping into her at every tiny movement. Maya brushes them off every time, but it isn't long before she has to resort to shoving a little.

Claudine growls under her breath and curls her nails into her dress. She glares a warning at each of the boys, but their greedy eyes keep wandering back to Maya.

Maya gives her partner a pacifying look, not wanting her to worry.

But when Claudine notices one of the boys trying to reach for Maya's hip, she jumps to her feet and throws herself between them, shouldering his hand out of the way with force.

"You know-!" she says loudly. "My legs will fall asleep if I sit for so long. I don't mind standing." She grabs onto the same ring Maya is holding and emits a fuming aura that dares anyone to come close.

No one does anymore.

Maya's heart swells. She places her hand over Claudine's on the ring appreciatively and nuzzles against her head.

"Merci."

"It's nothing."

They ride together for about ten minutes until Maya hears the name of their destination. When the train stops she wraps her arm around Claudine's waist and walks with her to the exit.

They're just a few towns over, but it's much busier and more urban-feeling here. As they ease away from the thicker crowds their hands come together once again.

"Why here?" Claudine wonders.

Maya leans over to kiss her head.

"You'll see. It's a quick walk from this point."

So they walk just for a few minutes in the clear weather until she can see signs for their destination. Claudine has her hunch when she begins to notice all of the little sharks and fish painted everywhere.

Maya had heard about the aquarium from Karen, and she'd spoken so highly of it when she'd gone there with Hikari. Maya had wanted to bring Claudine here for a while now.

They pause at the entrance to the large white building with sea creatures painted all over it. A tall archway sign with the word Aquarium, flanked by statues of a dolphin and a seahorse hovers overhead. Maya smiles as Claudine takes it all in.

"Well? What do you think?"

Claudine blinks and looks back down to her.

"I've never been here before. I've always wanted to..." Her eyes flash hopefully, like a child's. "Are we really going to?"

Maya pulls her in close and kisses her.

"Of course we are."

Claudine's eyes light up and shimmer, and a smile brighter and warmer than the sunlight blossoms across her lips. Maya smiles back, almost feeling like she might cry from seeing her be this beautiful.

They enter together and Maya pays for their tickets. Claudine only argues with her for a moment before she accepts defeat and returns to her elated mood.

The first room they enter is dim, but the massive tanks full of water and fish are also full of light and movement. Thousands of different kinds of fish flit around behind the glass, every shape and size and color. There are a few sharks too, as well as some turtles.

Claudine scurries right up to the glass and gasps in delight. Maya admires her much more so than the fish. She hadn't expected Claudine to enjoy it this much, but she certainly isn't going to question it.

She makes it a point to read every word of the little informational signs posted around the tank, looking at each image of each kind of fish and then searching for them in the tank. Maya all but spaces out as she enjoys the sight of the exotic beauty before her; and the fish are nice too.

It's Claudine who leads them into the next room, which has smaller tanks and containers of butterfly fish, sea horses, and crustaceans. She enjoys every animal except for the eels, which she hides behind Maya for.

After that is the jellyfish room, which is the darkest of them all to allow the fluorescent glow of the tanks to illuminate the creatures. They spend a lot of time in that room, admiring the fish and each other, stopping more than once for a kiss.

Maya is proud in knowing her plans are going even better than anticipated. Claudine is absolutely bubbling with excitement at each new room they enter, all but scampering over to every tank and pulling Maya along with her. And Maya gladly gets swept away by her undertow, riding the waves of joy with her.

They go to the touch tanks next, where Maya has no reservations about dipping her hand in to pet a nurse shark. Claudine is hesitant about that, but eventually tries to reach in for a stingray. She shrieks at how slimy it is, and Maya laughs. The ray flaps up against the side of the tank and splashes them a little, and when Maya next kisses Claudine she tastes like the ocean.

They stop to wash their hands and have a bit of lunch in the food court before continuing on their way.

Next is an outdoor enclosure where they watch seals and dolphins, and Claudine all but melts as she coos at them. Maya slouches against her and enjoys herself. The dolphins remind her a lot of Claudine; cute, playful, strong, and a little mischievous.

By the time they've finished there and returned inside, Claudine lets out a short yawn. Maya nudges her side gently.

"Just one more room."

"It's fine. I'm not tired. It's all just been so exciting."

Maya kisses her nose. "I'm glad you're having fun. I think you'll like this last room." She'd heard about it from Karen and seen photos online, but she's curious to see it for herself.

With her hand still in Claudine's, she leads her to two large double-doors. She pauses to let the anticipation build, then pushes inside.

And it's like walking into another world.

The ocean is all around them, surrounding a large tunnel of glass. Bright, colorful fish and corals light up the clear blue water; crabs and shrimp scuttle along the rocks, fish dart in and out and drift all around in schools, sharks meander over the top of the tunnel, turtles float lazily on the current.

There's so much to take in all at once. It's absolutely breathtaking.

Even Maya, who had been expecting it to some degree, is humbled by the majestic sight. It takes her a moment to draw her eyes away from the fish and look instead to Claudine.

And she's very glad she did.

Claudine's eyes are alight with wonder, glimmering as they reflect the flickering fish all around her. A breath of amazement has caught in her throat as she marvels at it all.

To see her standing there quite literally in the middle of the sea in her pink dress, with sharks and turtles dancing all around her...

She's nothing short of ethereal.

Maya's heart swells with emotion more strongly than ever before. Once again, she can't help herself.

"Claudine-"

Claudine blinks and looks to her, mouth still open in a gasp of delight. Maya pulls her in and kisses her underneath the ocean.

She drinks her in, then breathes out into her, letting it fill her lungs. She drapes both arms around Claudine's shoulders and holds her close, playing with the ends of her curls.

Claudine sighs against her, relishing the dreamlike reality she's found herself in. She kisses Maya back to thank her without words, pushing against her lips excitedly.

Maya kisses too, eager to continue like this for a moment.

But a sudden gasp from Claudine causes her to nip, and Maya winces slightly. She's almost concerned for a second before she turns and glances up above them to see the massive spotted whale shark drifting overhead. Claudine is stunned, and Maya is awed into silence as well, watching it pass in all its beauty.

They don't say a word as they walk down the tunnel together, taking in every sight from every angle possible.

It's difficult when it finally comes time to leave. They take one last look, share one last kiss, and step through the doors.

They end up in the little gift shop. Maya buys them matching silver seashell necklaces. She fastens Claudine's for her and then lets Claudine do the same for her.

And at long last they walk back outside into the cooling afternoon. Claudine steals a few final glances behind them before they're on their way back toward the train station.

"Well?" Maya prompts. "I trust you enjoyed yourself?"

Claudine is still too content to even play-fight with her.

"I enjoyed myself very much."

"So then have I fulfilled my punishment? Am I forgiven for my sins?"

"Oh, I suppose so." Claudine gives her fingers a squeeze. "But I really did have a wonderful time. Merci, Ma Maya." She bounds close and leaves a kiss on Maya's cheek.

Maya locks both arms around her waist and lifts her clean off the sidewalk, spinning her once before letting her back down.

"I'm very glad to hear that. Shall we head back?"

"We shall."

Hand-in-hand, they continue on toward the station. Maya is looking forward to the ride home with her, and once they get back to school she wants to have a nice dinner with Claudine before they curl up for bed together.

She's so busy imagining the near future that she doesn't notice the change in weather right away. Clouds begin to roll in, but it's only when the wind blows a chilling gust that makes them both shiver that they pause and look skyward. Droplets begin to fall almost instantly.

Maya stiffens; she hadn't heard anything about rain today, and she damn well isn't about to let it ruin her perfect date.

They're only a minute away from the train station, so she tightens her hold on Claudine's hand and gives her a quick nod. Claudine reflects the gesture in understanding, and together they begin to run.

But of course they hit the red light at the crosswalk and the clouds unload a torrential downpour right on top of them. The temperature plummets as the wind picks up significantly, blasting the rain into their faces. Maya grits her teeth, checking for cars before they start to cross. Claudine's petite pink shoes get waterlogged by puddles as they hurry along, and Maya wishes she could trade her boots for them.

They make it to the shelter of the station where dozens of people with umbrellas are jostling them around trying to get on board. Maya keeps Claudine close as they file on.

In spite of all the people stuffed inside, it's still very cold on the train. There are no open seats, so Maya just grabs the nearest ring she can find.

Now she finally gets a chance to look her date over.

Claudine is as drenched as Maya herself is, if not more so. Their hair is heavy and sopping wet, and their clothes are still dripping. Maya holds onto the ring with one hand and wraps her other arm around Claudine, rubbing up and down her back to warm her up. She's shivering quite a bit. Maya frowns and heaves a sigh.

"I'm sorry our date ended like this. Are you all right?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine. Just a bit wet."

"Just a bit," Maya agrees. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You can't control the weather, can you? It's fine. It's a little thrilling, actually." She smiles, and Maya is relieved to still see the lingering excitement in her eyes.

At least the rain hasn't dampened Claudine's mood too much, but the rest of her is awfully damp. Where Maya has long sleeves and leggings,Claudine has nothing. Maya would give her the shirt off her back if she could, and she hates that she can't.

The train begins to move, and the sudden lurch nearly has Claudine stumbling, but Maya holds to her tightly. Claudine reaches up to grip onto the ring as well, but Maya can see her arm is shaking. She gently coaxes Claudine to let go of the ring and has her hold onto her waist instead. Claudine sighs and obeys, wrapping both arms around her and hugging herself close for warmth.

Maya slips her free arm beneath Claudine's wet hair and runs her hand up and down her back, as well as over her shoulders. She can tell Claudine is trying her best to fend off the shivers, but they keep breaking free and shaking her. Maya hugs her as close as possible to share heat. She kisses the top of her head in silent apology.

But Claudine won't have it. She burrows her face into the side of Maya's neck and huffs.

"It's not your fault. The date isn't ruined, so don't think it is." She eases back to look into her eyes. "I had a lot of fun today. I really did. I hereby rescind your punishment, Tendo Maya."

"That's a relief." She smiles, running her fingers down through the length of Claudine's wet hair. "I had fun, too."

"Good. I hope they have soup in the dining hall.

"Me too."

They ride all the way back to their stop, and although the rain has stopped by now, the temperature hasn't improved at all. The evening is absolutely frigid now, a terrible contrast to the sunny day from just a few hours ago. Claudine all but shrieks as they step off the platform. Her hand is shivering in Maya's, and Maya winces at the cold breeze herself.

"Maybe we should call a cab."

"No. We'd get into trouble if anyone from school saw us." Claudine straightens herself up tall and puffs out her chest. "We'll make a run for it. That should warm us up a bit."

"Are you sure?"

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't have said it! Now let's go before we freeze to death!"

With this Claudine takes off running, tugging Maya along with her. Leftover water flies off their clothes and hair as the make a mad dash along the sidewalks, bound for the academy. Their pace, along with the blasting wind, only makes the air feel that much colder, but internally their blood starts pumping and warms them up just a bit.

The run all the way back to the school, fueled by adrenaline and the thrill of it all. By the time they finally stumble through the doors, they're panting, but smiling. And glad to be back in a heated building.

"Thank goodness!" Claudine wheezes. "I need to shower..."

Maya catches her breath and shakes herself off a bit. There's an odd contrast of hot and cold buzzing throughout her body, but as Claudine says it's actually rather thrilling. Perhaps even a little fun.

But she frowns again when she feels Claudine's hand still shaking in hers. Maya pulls her in for a moment and wraps her in her arms again.

Claudine clutches at her back, sighing over and over again.

Maya holds her for a moment until the shivering dies down a little, then promptly begins to lead her to the bathrooms. Maya drops her off there, insisting she get into a warm shower while Maya offers to go fetch her clothes from her bedroom. Claudine only accepts because she can't deny how badly she's still shivering.

So Maya hurries to collect warm sleepwear from each of their rooms and brings it back to the showers, glad to hear Claudine's singing voice ringing out against the hiss of the water. Maya hurries to warm herself up as well, letting the hot water soak into her skin.

They each take a few extra minutes before getting out to dry and dress.

Naturally, Maya grabs a hair dryer and has Claudine sit first to tend to her. She makes sure to dry her hair thoroughly, until it isn't even slightly damp anymore.

But when she turns it off and puts it aside, Claudine is still shivering slightly. Maya frowns again and slowly wraps both arms around her from behind.

"You're still cold? Are you all right?"

"How many times do I have to tell you I'm fine?" But even so, she doesn't try to pry Maya off her, and instead leans back into her touch. She stops herself from getting too comfortable though, as she still needs to dry Maya's hair for her. She frees herself from the embrace and picks up the dryer. "Stop worrying and sit down."

Maya does as she's told and opts to enjoy the treatment as Claudine turns on the device. It always feels nice, but it feels ten times nicer after running home through a rainstorm. She almost doesn't want it to end, but the promise of warm soup has her eager to get moving to the dining hall.

As soon as Claudine is finished with her hair, Maya is on her feet and ready to go. But Claudine pauses her.

"Not so fast. What about these?" She holds up their matching seashell necklaces. Maya grins.

"Of course. I almost left mine. Would you mind?"

"Of course not."

Claudine drapes the chain around Maya's neck, brushing her hair aside to fasten it. When she's finished Maya returns the favor. She admires the sight of the trinket dangling at Claudine's collarbone, and notices Claudine doing the same.

"They're very pretty," she says. "I just wish you'd let me pay for something today."

"Perhaps next time." She steps in closer and presses her hand to Claudine's back. "There can be a next time, can't there?"

Claudine huffs and looks away.

"I'll consider it."

"I'm honored." Maya leans in for a small kiss and nuzzles their noses together.

Their hands come together again as they head off to the dining hall. Upon arriving, they find it empty. Maya heads straight for the counter to place her order, but Claudine doesn't join her. Maya turns to her curiously.

"What's the matter?"

Claudine shrugs.

"I'm not terribly hungry."

"Care to share then?"

"Fine. But I'm getting two spoons."

So they sit together in the empty dining hall and share one bowl of hot soup, and even though they each have their own spoons, Claudine does eventually relent and allow Maya to feed her, and vice versa.

They finish it together and are all too eager to retreat to bed after that. The long day finally catches up with them as they stumble back to the dorms. They stop at Maya's room since it's the first one they come upon and head straight for the mattress.

Claudine pulls down the blankets and lies down right away, and it makes Maya smile; she's glad she's so comfortable here.

Maya lies down beside her, pulling her in right away. Claudine lets out a long exhale and clings to her, letting the last of the shivers off as the warmth of the blankets and of Maya's body wreathe around her. Maya hugs her and kisses through her hair many times as they wind down and relax.

"So," she hums. "What was your favorite part?"

"All of it," Claudine murmurs. "But particularly that whale shark. It was dazzling."

"Second only to you."

"Flatterer."

She's quiet for a moment as Maya continues to kiss her forehead and temples. Claudine lets out a tiny yawn and tries to kiss her back, but she's so tired she barely makes contact with Maya's cheek.

"I really did have a wonderful time today... merci and thank you..."

"That's the same thing," Maya chuckles. "But you're welcome. Next time I'll take you somewhere just as fun."

"Mn..." Claudine's exhausted moan sends a trill through Maya's chest. She kisses her forehead again.

"Goodnight. Je t'aime, Ma Claudine."

She waits for her to reply, but the only thing she hears from her is soft, deep breathing. It's the first time since they've gotten close that she'll go to sleep without hearing Claudine say it back.

But Maya doesn't mind. Even if she doesn't hear Claudine say it back, she knows.

She hugs her warmly, and sleep quickly comes to her as well.

The moonlight shines through and catches on their matching necklaces, softly silver.

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A/N: I was debating slowing down and telling all parts of the aquarium date in detail, not just the tunnel part, but if I'd done that this chapter would have been excessively long. And to be honest, I just wanted to cover the most important parts; Claudine waking up alone, her defending Maya on the train, the aquarium, and getting caught in the rain on the way home.

I wasn't sure how I wanted Claudine to react at first, but ultimately I thought she'd be happy like a little kid getting to go to the aquarium. I feel she'd enjoy most of the animals, but find a few (like eels) troubling. I love eels though.

Next chapter, there's another, smaller storm brewing... You may have figured it out already.