The Lily And The Rose

EARLY RELEASE FOR ALL MY PATRONS!!

This was a stupid idea... and it ended up just snowballing into something super dramatic and crazy. It definitely had to be a Shiori ship, so I chose Akira cuz I wanted to challenge myself and I sort of regret it cuz I think it just went off the rails lol. But I hope you still enjoy it!

Just a little almost-romantic something I'm gonna throw out for Valentine's Day.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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								The Lily And The Rose

This morning, the Siegfeld common room is becoming crowded rather early on for a Saturday, but for a good reason.

Shiori admittedly has been a little nervous for the past few days leading up to this, and now on the morning of she's a bit stiff as well.

All four of her fellow Edels are present in the common room with her. Akira is standing at the threshold with her arms crossed, leaning back against the wall as she oversees the girls in the lounge and those in the hallway, ensuring everyone is behaving properly. Michiru is standing with her, looking much less intimidating, smiling and waving to the classmates that pass them by in the hall. Shiori is seated on the couch with Mei Fan and Yachiyo on either side of her.

They'd all just finished eating breakfast and getting dressed for the day, and Fumi was on her way to join them. Yachiyo has her cell phone in her lap, awaiting the text from her girlfriend to inform them all that she'd arrived so Fumi can join them.

Shiori reaches for her bottle of water on the coffee table and takes a few sips to help calm her nerves. Right at the same moment, Mei Fan speaks up.

"Shiori, are you okay? Are you nervous?"

Shiori had been unsure if she should try to keep those feelings down or voice them out loud to the others. But now that she's been asked directly, she can't bring herself to lie.

"A little bit. But I know I'll be all right with all of you there to support me, and my sister, too!"

"It shouldn't be that bad, right?" Yachiyo asks. "It's just your yearly checkup."

"Yes…" Shiori gives a tiny smile, but bows her head. "However, since my health was always a bit frail when I was younger, the family doctors would often discover things during my checkups. Of course it was never anything serious, but it always makes me worry…"

"That's understandable," Michiru says from the doorway. "I don't think anyone really likes going to the doctor."

"It's a necessity," Akira declares. "I'm proud of Shiori for getting this done in accordance with her yearly schedule. Michiru, Yachiyo, Mei Fan, be sure to schedule your own personal appointments as well."

"Yes, ma'am."

Akira nods approval, then returns her gaze out into the hallway to monitor.

Shiori's shoulders tense up a little more. She'd been trying not to think about it too much, but now the appointment is the only thing on her mind. And while Mei Fan, Yachiyo, and Michiru had spoken casually enough to help ease her tension, something about Akira's stern and serious tone made her all the more nervous.

Of course, she knows Akira didn't mean to do it, and it was just the way she spoke and thought naturally. But during such a time when Shiori is feeling so anxious, she thinks it might be nice if even Akira showed a bit of compassion.

/N-No! That's just how she is! she reminds herself. I'd rather she be her normal self, actually… If she tried to fake being concerned or something, that might just make me feel even more uncomfortable./

Her feelings are sort of all over the place today, but luckily her friends take note and do their best to help.

"Shiori?" Mei Fan says gently. "Don't worry! Like you said, we'll all be there to support you!"

"You've been in tip-top shape lately," Yachiyo smiles, putting a hand on Shiori's shoulder. "I don't think you've got anything to worry about."

"That's right!" Michiru calls over. "Shiori, you've become much more flexible and your stamina has gone up for sure! Right, Akira?"

With Michiru's tactful prompt to have Akira add in some positive comments, Shiori perks up.

Akira nods. "Indeed. You've made plenty of improvements in the past few months, Shiori. You seem to be capable of a lot more, physically. I'm sure you'll pass your exam today with flying colors."

Hearing all of her friends speak their support lifts Shiori's spirits, but hearing it from Akira in particular is what really ignites something within her. She straightens up a little and shows them all a genuine smile.

"Yes! Thank you, everyone!"

Yachiyo and Mei Fan share a smile over Shiori's head.

"Interesting how she gets pumped-up when Akira-senpai tells her something encouraging~"

"But of course! Wouldn't anyone be motivated if Akira-san praised them?"

"Well, sure. But y'know…" Yachiyo winks at Met Fan, then flashes a quick glance to Akira. Mei Fan follows her gaze and then nods quickly.

"Oh! Right!"

She and Yachiyo say no more on the matter. After all, it was no surprise that Shiori had a crush on the Edels' King, something different from Mei Fan's unflagging admiration or Michiru's childhood understanding of her. Shiori often didn't even realize when she was staring at Akira or mumbling softly to herself about her, but everyone else sure did notice.

That is, everyone except for Akira, of course.

Their King was as dense and oblivious as ever, not because she was trying to ignore Shiori's feelings, but because she genuinely didn't understand her own feelings, let alone anyone else's. But if anyone had to guess, they would say that Akira probably liked Shiori too, even if she didn't know it yet.

But Akira's position amongst the Edels and in the school often prevented her from expressing herself, as to avoid it being interpreted as some kind of favoritism, so whatever relationship the two of them might have underway still remains as a small bud that has yet to blossom.

Even now, Mei Fan and Yachiyo bemusedly take note of how Shiori's gaze keeps traveling over to Akira. And Michiru takes note of how Akira keeps re-crossing her arms, something she's known her to do when she's distracted.

It's evident to all those around them that the two are thinking about each other a little more than they might be thinking about anyone else.

"Maybe today we can give you guys a push somehow…"

"What was that, Michiru?"

"Nothing~ Just talking to myself."

"Michiru-senpai, I agree," Mei Fan says. "I'm eager to see how this could play out."

"Same here," Yachiyo says.

Shiori, who realizes she'd once again been more or less staring at Akira's profile, suddenly snaps herself back into the moment and looks between the three other Edels.

"Eh? What are you all talking about?"

"Nothing!"

"Don't worry about it, Shiori!"

"Ah," Yachiyo looks down at her phone. "Perfect timing. Fumi-san just arrived."

Shiori lets her curiosity about the previous topic fade as she hears that her sister has come. A sudden warmth blooms across her chest.

"I'm so thankful all of you are spending your Saturday coming with me to support me."

"Of course!" Michiru beams. "We gotta look out for each other, as Edels and as classmates!"

"Well said, Michiru," Akira nods. She then turns to meet Shiori's gaze. "Shiori, we'll all be close by today, so don't worry."

Yachiyo and Mei Fan share a grin as Shiori suddenly starts to glow. She beams a heartfelt smile and dips forward into a bow.

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Yachiyo rolls her eyes playfully.

"Gee. I wonder how long it'll take for them to figure it out."

"Hm," Mei Fan hums. "Well, how long did it take for you and Fumi-san to figure it out, Yachiyo?"

Yachiyo loses her smirk for a blush and rounds on her friend.

"Oh, be quiet…"

Mei Fan giggles, and just as before, Shiori looks back at forth between them without having a clue as to what they're talking about.

/Well, it's fine. I'm sure it doesn't concern me./

She gets to her feet as well, and Mei Fan does the same as they head to the threshold. A few moments later Michiru sings out.

"Fumiiiii~!"

Akira dips her head much more formally in greeting. Shiori waits her turn as her older sister finally reaches them.

"Good morning, Michiru, Akira." And as Yachiyo makes her way forward, Fumi takes both of her hands and leans in for a brief kiss.

Mei Fan sighs. "Ahh, how sweet! Good morning, Fumi-san!"

"Morning, Mei Fan."

And at last Shiori meets her older sister's gaze and smiles brightly.

"Good morning, Onee-chan!"

"There she is." Fumi weaves her way through the others and opens her arms.

In the past, when their relationship had been rockier, Shiori never would have gone to her so easily. But now that things have been mended, she doesn't think twice about it. She steps forward and folds her arms around her sister's shoulders as Fumi pulls her into a firm hug.

"How are you feeling?" Fumi murmurs quietly. "Nervous?"

"A little," Shiori admits. "But I feel much better knowing everyone is going to be there with me."

"Of course. Any progress with Akira?"

"Eh? Progress with what?"

"Never mind."

Puzzled, Shiori eases back from Fumi and looks at Akira. Her King catches her eye curiously, and it's almost as if she wants to say something. But before she can, Fumi speaks up.

"All right, Shiori. Your appointment is in 30 minutes. We should get going."

"Right." Shiori dips her head. "Ah, but… I really do feel bad about taking up everyone's time. You don't all have to come with me today. I'll be fine."

"Nonsense!" Mei Fan says. "We all decided to come with you for moral support, Shiori!"

"That's right!" Michiru says. "And maybe afterward we can all go out to lunch or something."

"That sounds nice," Yachiyo nods. "Shiori, we don't mind. We wanna be here for you."

"I agree." Akira vacates her spot against the wall and walks over to Shiori, who looks up a bit bashfully. Akira gives a small smile. "Shiori, Edels support one another no matter what. It's important to us that you feel confident and comfortable with this today. I ensured ahead of time that there would be no practices or anything else to interfere. Everyone has agreed to come support you, so that's what we're going to do."

Shiori almost feels teary-eyed to hear everyone saying such things. She gives a determined nod and swallows back a happy little sob.

"I understand Yukishiro-senpai. Thank you, everyone."

"Anything for my little sister." Fumi wraps an arm around her shoulders and ruffles her head gently.

With this, the six girls head out of the dormitory together. They ride a bus into town, and then it's about a ten-minute walk to the facility where the Yumeoji's family doctor is located. All the while, the girls talk casually about their upcoming performances, and Fumi shares a few tidbits about Rinmeikan's next play.

Once the building is in sight, Shiori starts feeling herself tense up again. But then, before she can become too flustered, she glances to her side to find Akira has slowed her stride in order to walk beside her. They make eye contact, and Akira lowers her voice so only Shiori can hear.

"Shiori, do your best."

And it really doesn't make that much sense, considering it's a medical examination and not a race or performance. But even so, her words give Shiori a much-needed confidence boost.

"Yes!"

Once they enter the lobby, Shiori heads to the front desk on her own to check herself in. Fumi stays back with the others.

"This is probably as far as we can go for now."

"Really?" Mei Fan frowns. "Not even you can stay with her as a relative, Fumi-san?"

Fumi shakes her head. But in reality, she could stay with Shiori through the exam. However she knows Shiori would be far too embarrassed if she let her friends see she had to have her older sister stay with her, so Fumi is determined to abstain for the sake of her little sister's pride.

Once Shiori has finished with the paperwork at the desk, she turns back to the others.

"Everyone, you really don't have to stay-"

"We're staying!" Michiru declares.

"We can play some board games in the waiting area," Yachiyo offers.

"I see. Thank you, everyone." Inadvertently, Shiori once again looks to Akira, who meets her gaze steadily.

"Shiori, we'll be waiting, so don't worry."

Shiori breaks out into another smile.

"Right!"

By now the family doctor has arrived, and Shiori dips forward to greet her before following her. The others linger for a moment before heading to the waiting area.

Michiru and Mei Fan go to sit at a small table to start on a board game. Nearby, there's a quiet television playing a program about sewing, and Yachiyo takes a seat there to watch and Fumi sits beside her.

Akira glances around, but can't determine what she should do for the time being. To her knowledge, she hadn't let on about her concern for Shiori thus far (though in reality, the others had all taken note of her slight absentmindedness and how frequently she'd been stealing glances at their Frau Jade this morning).

For Akira, Shiori's condition had always been a bit difficult to understand. She knew Shiori had had a weak constitution when she was younger, and there had been several times during their practices when Shiori would often become breathless or exhausted much sooner than anyone else.

But it had never seemed dire or debilitating. Akira had chosen her as an Edel because of her skill and her determination; Shiori's past medial history had never been a concern for her.

Though at the time when Shiori had fallen ill, Akira realized she had been rather harsh on her and miscommunicated a number of things, and likely added to the pressure Shiori had felt at the time. She had managed to convey her feelings in the end, and thus Shiori had grown closer to the other Edels.

Akira had been torn about Shiori for a number of reasons, mainly on how she should be treating her. Should she have modified Shiori's training specifically and taken her past health conditions into account? Or would that have been an insult to the person Shiori had striven and pushed herself to become?

Akira had opted to push Shiori as much as she pushed any of the others and herself, and she's content with where they have all currently ended up.

But now with the notion of Shiori being in this hospital for an exam, she finds herself more than a little concerned. It's troubling to consider that Akira might have ended up pushing her too hard, to the point where the doctors might discover something declining with Shiori's health.

She finds her thoughts wandering, and she quickly shakes herself off.

/This is foolish. Shiori is quite capable as an Edel. There's nothing to be concerned about./

"Oooy, Akira?" Michiru sings out. "You've been spacing out for a while now. Why don't you sit down?"

"Are you worried about Shiori?" Mei Fan guesses. "There's no need! I'm certain she'll be perfectly fine!"

"I agree," Akira says. "I'm not worried. Shiori is one of the finest Edels I've ever taken under my wing."

"Hmmm~?" Yachiyo purrs. "Really? Cuz you've seemed pre-tty worried all morning, Akira-senpai."

Akira gives her a small glare.

"You're imagining things."

"It's okay to admit it if you're worried about her," Yachiyo says. "In fact, I'm sure it'd make Shiori really happy if you told her that."

Fumi nudges her side.

"Hey, Yachiyo…"

"What? I'm just trying to give her a push in the right direction."

"And what direction might that be?" Akira asks.

"Oh, nothing," Yachiyo sighs. "I guess you'll figure it out soon enough.

Akira glowers at her.

"Quit talking nonsense, Yachiyo." She then turns to her only ex-Edel member. "Fumi, how long does the exam typically take?"

In spite of the fact that Fumi had just chided Yachiyo for teasing, she can't help but do the same.

"Why? Do you have somewhere to be? If so, I'm sure Shiori would understand if you had to leave-"

"That isn't it," Akira says quickly. Fumi and Yachiyo share a brief chuckle, but hold it down for the most part so they won't get scolded. It's just too fun to mess with Akira, who isn't even aware of her own feelings yet.

"All right," Fumi says. "Then to answer your question, it usually takes about an hour for all the results to come in. I asked Shiori to text me in between each one just to let me know how it's going. I'll share the updates, of course."

Akira doesn't realize it herself, but to those around her it's quite evident to see the relief on her face. She nods.

"All right."

"For real though, Akira-senpai, you should sit down."

"I'm fine like this."

The other four share looks amongst themselves and have the same thought:

/She's too worried to sit down./

After about fifteen minutes have passed, Fumi receives her first text message from Shiori and addresses the others.

"She says it's going well so far. She's in room 204, the doctor is being nice as always, there's a painting of a flower on the wall… She tends to just ramble on and list random things when she's nervous."

"So Shiori is still on-edge," Mei Fan sighs.

"I can't blame her," Michiru says. "The last time she saw a doctor, it was Akira."

"When we acted, right?" Yachiyo nods. "Yeah… I hope we didn't end up scarring her so that now when she's at the real hospital she just thinks about us coming at her with a giant needle."

"What the heck did you guys even do to her…" Fumi mumbles.

"We were just trying to help!" Mei Fan defends. "And although I admit it was a bit rough around the edges to start… I think in the end she became more comfortable around all of us! Right, Akira-san?"

Akira doesn't even tune into the conversation until she hears her name.

"Hm? Yes."

"Akira-senpai, were you even listening~?" Yachiyo says. "Or were you still too busy worrying about Shiori?"

"Enough. Shiori is fine." She looks at Fumi as if to ask for confirmation. Fumi smiles and nods.

Fifteen more minutes pass until Shiori next texts her sister, who then reads out the message.

"'It seems my vision and hearing are fine, and my physique has improved as well!' So she says."

Everyone grins.

"Wonderful!"

"Sounds like she's doing all right. Good job, Shiori!"

"See, Akira-senpai?" Yachiyo goads. "Nothing to worry about."

"I'm not worried."

"You've been pacing for the past ten minutes."

"Fumi," Akira blatantly ignores Yachiyo's comment. "Could you tell her we're glad to hear it?"

Fumi is just putting her phone back into her pocket.

"I already told her how I felt," she says. "But if you want to do the same, please feel free, Akira-san."

Akira halts in her pacing. She hadn't even considered the fact that she could text Shiori at anytime, too.

Trying to be casual about it, she shrugs and pulls out her phone from her pocket.

"I suppose I'll do that. I've got to get better at using this thing anyway."

"Of course," Fumi smiles.

"Yachiyo, how do I find Shiori's number?"

"It's under Contacts."

"Right."

While Akira is focused on navigating her phone now, the others share amused looks again.

"Michiru-senpai," Mei Fan whispers. "Shiori is going to be so happy when she sees Akira-senpai has texted her!"

"I know! Especially because she'll probably think it's Fumi again. She'll be totally surprised!"

"Nice one, Fumi," Yachiyo praises her girlfriend. "You got Akira-senpai texting her now."

"Hopefully Shiori won't freak out too much…"

Once Akira has the messaging page open, she types out a text to Shiori.

//Shiori, we're all glad to hear about the good results. Keep it up.//

She sends the message, then waits for a moment. But there's no reply just yet. Akira frowns.

"Where's her answer?"

"Give her a second," Fumi chuckles. "She might be in the middle of an exam right now."

"Yeah," Yachiyo mumbles. "Or she's too flustered that Akira-senpai sent her a text, so she can't even remember how to type back a response."

Not a moment later, Fumi's phone buzzes, and she checks it discreetly. Sure enough, her sister is frantic.

//Onee-chan! Did you tell Yukishiro-senpai to message me?! I was so shocked my pulse went crazy and the doctor had to retake it!//

Fumi chuckles and shows Yachiyo her phone. Yachiyo reads the text over quietly and has to hold back a snicker. Fumi types out a response.

//I just suggested it~ Akira-san is the one who decided to text you of her own volition, though. Try to give her a response soon, okay? She's worried about you, you know~//

//Eh?//

Shiori doesn't respond to Fumi after that.

Instead, it's Akira who receives a reply.

"Ah. It's Shiori." She opens the message and reads it to herself, and is able to hear it as though Shiori is standing right there next to her reading it in her own voice.

//Thank you very much, Yukishiro-senpai! I'm doing my best! So far everything looks good!//

Akira smiles to herself, and the others pretend not to notice.

//I'm glad,// she replies. //If messaging us helps ease your nerves, then please don't hesitate.//

A moment later, Shiori replies again.

//Yes. Thank you, Yukishiro-senpai.//

Akira smiles remains, unaware that the others are all trying to keep back from squealing or grinning at her reactions.

"Nice going, ladies," Michiru whispers. "Maybe this can be considered as progress."

"Absolutely!" Mei Fan agrees.

"Oy, Mei Fan," Akira snaps. "This is a hospital, so quiet down."

"Yes ma'am!"

From then on, Akira is more or less glued to her phone, waiting to see if Shiori messages her again. Fumi gladly accepts that her sister is now sending texts to someone else for the time being, so she continues focusing on her program with Yachiyo.

Akira soon receives another text from Shiori, this time a picture message, which she has to ask Michiru how to open and download so she can see it. It turns out to be a picture of the flower painting in Shiori's hospital room.

//Isn't it beautiful?// Shiori texts along with the image. //It might be a little blurry in the photo, but it's a white lily surrounded by all different kinds of flowers! There's a pink sakura blossom, a cream-colored daisy, a purple iris, a yellow crocus, and even a blue rose!//

Akira recalls what Fumi had told them all earlier; that Shiori tended to ramble a lot in her messages when she was nervous. So in response, Akira does her best to remain calm and collected.

//Yes, it's very well-made. I'm impressed you can name all of the flowers.//

//Yes!//

//How is your exam going?//

//It's going very well! Ah, although I think the doctor will be administering some shots soon. I think I'll have to take some mediation for the pain and soreness, so I might be a little bit out-of-it after that…//

//That's fine. There's no rush.//

There's a brief pause before Shiori's next message.

//Thank you, Yukishiro-senpai. I really do feel much calmer since I was able to message you.//

Akira just nods, but doesn't exactly realize that Shiori can't see that response right now. She lifts her face for the first time in half an hour, since she's been so fixated on chatting with her. The other four girls who had been watching her quickly look elsewhere.

"Everyone, Shiori mentioned the doctor will be giving her some pain medication."

"Ah, right," Fumi says. "They usually do that. She can get a little spacey afterward, so they'll probably keep her in bed for a little bit until she's back to her senses."

Akira nods agreement.

"She'll probably have worked up an appetite by then. Let's discuss where we should go for lunch."

"My, how considerate of you, Akira-senpai~" Yachiyo smirks.

Akira snorts, keeping her phone in her hand in preparation to receive Shiori's next message.

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//
Shiori had been truly shocked when she'd received that first message from Akira.

As she'd told Fumi, the doctor had been in the middle of taking her pulse when Shiori had seen Akira's name light up on her phone. She'd felt the exact second when her heart rate had started to speed up uncontrollably, and as such she'd fretfully apologized to the doctor and requested to restart the exam.

But though she'd been surprised at first, Shiori had also been immensely happy to have gotten a message from Akira. And even if Fumi had set it up initially, Akira continues texting her after that as well of her own volition.

Shiori had, of course, texted the other Edels plenty, especially about non-school-related topics. But the few messages she'd ever sent to Akira had been entirely academic. This was the first time they'd messaged about anything else.

It makes her happily nervous, which is much nicer than being nervously nervous, as she had been until that point.

She only texts Akira in between exams so as not to be rude to her doctor, but it really does help keep her grounded. She would have been delighted to get messages from any of her friends, but since it's Akira, it feels even more special somehow.

By the time she's halfway finished, she's forgotten that she was ever nervous at all. Instead, she's just excited to receive Akira's next message and to send her another one.

Only when the doctor tells her it's time for bloodwork and shots does Shiori snap back into reality.

"Ah, yes. I understand. I'll be in your care."

Her doctor has her move to a bed for her comfort, and then gives her a dose of medication to help fend off the pain that will come with the subsequent shots. Shiori removes her shoes before lying back against the pillows and staring at the ceiling, trying not to look at the syringes the doctor is handling next to her.

She can already feel the effects of the medication kicking in as a fuzzy sort of lightheadedness takes over her. She looks to the painting of the flowers, of the white lily surrounded by all the other five. It's nestled up closest to the blue rose…

A small shudder runs through her, and she hears her doctor click her tongue.

"Oh no, did the heat go again? I'm sorry, Shiori-chan. There's been a problem with it all week. I'll call someone to come fix it as soon as we're finished here."

Shiori blinks at her, trying to make sense of the words.

"The heat doesn't work…?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. Will you be all right to rest here for a while as we wait for the results to come in?"

Shiori nods.

"Yes, that's fine."

"All right."

Shiori looks away again, completely unaware of when the needle meets her arm. She just looks back to the flower painting and focuses on that. A breeze drifts in from the open window, and she tries to keep still from shaking.

//Hopefully the cold will help snap me out of it… The medication is making me feel all fuzzy…//

She closes her eyes for a moment until she hears her doctor speak again.

"All right," she says. "Shiori-chan, that will be all for your check-up today. You can rest here for a little while until the medication wears off. When you're ready you can call for me and I'll have your sister and your friends come take you home."

Shiori nods and ends up mumbling whatever is on her mind.

"Yes… actually we're going to lunch after this…"

"My, that sounds wonderful. I'll leave you to rest, then." The doctor smiles, picks up her clipboard, and exits the room.

Shiori does her best to pull the blankets up over herself, as she'd forgotten to ask the doctor to close the window, and she doesn't think she'll be able to stand up and do it herself right now. Shivering, she huddles in on herself and tries to shake the chills away. She feels drowsy, but her body doesn't intend to sleep at 11AM, so she ends up laying there feeling a bit restless. She closes her eyes, trying to will the effects of the medicine to wear off sooner.

/I'm finished with the exams… Soon I'll be able to go have lunch together with Yukishiro-senpai and everyone…/

Thinking about Akira makes Shiori want to text her again. Feeling as odd as she does right now, the thought crosses her mind that she thinks she'd like to be able to hold someone's hand right now, just to keep herself grounded in reality.

Shiori struggles to remember where she put her phone, blinking slowly as she scours the bed. She finds it tucked in the wrinkles of the blanket, which she pulls around herself a bit more. Turning to lie on her side, she brings her phone up to her face and fumbles to select her conversation with Fumi.

//Onee-chan I'm all done but my heat isn't working//

It's a bit of a sloppy message considering her present state of mind, but it gets her point across. She manages to click Send.

Right as she does so, she receives a message from Akira. Shiori rubs her eyes and reads it over.

//How are things going, Shiori?//

Shiori smiles faintly to herself, and though the rest of her is getting a bit cold, her heart is blessed with a touch of warmth.

She selects her conversation with Akira, and then types out what she believes to be a similar message to what she'd sent her sister…

----------

Akira had given up on the pacing, considering Yachiyo kept smirking at her as if she knew something Akira wasn't aware of, so now she's resorted to standing with her arms crossed, tapping her shoe a bit.

"It's been nearly an hour. She should be finishing up soon, right Fumi?"

"Dunno," Fumi hums. "Just ask her yourself."

Akira snorts again before lifting up her cell phone to send out another text.

//How are things going, Shiori?//

She looks up when Fumi receives a response, so Akira expects to get one back as well. Sure enough, a moment later, Akira feels her phone vibrate, and she checks it hastily.

//Yukishiro-senpai it seems my heart isn't working properly… I'm starting to get a bit cold…//

Akira tenses as a sudden knot twists in her stomach. She suddenly feels as though the entire building has fallen away from under her, like she's dropping into nothingness. The content of Shiori's message shocks her to the point where she has to consciously prevent herself from crying out.

"Wh-?" She quickly covers her mouth, feeling her throat tightening up.

/That… that can't be right… She seemed like she was entirely fine all this time. It can't be that something as major as that has suddenly gone wrong-/

By now, the others have noticed her behaving strangely and look at her curiously.

"Akira?" Michiru says. "What's up?"

Akira tries to swallow, but it gets stuck in her throat.

"Fumi-" she rasps. "Did Shiori tell you? How it… it isn't working?"

"Hm?" Fumi glances down at her phone at the text Shiori had sent her, and Yachiyo looks with her:

Onee-chan I'm all done but my heat isn't working

Fumi looks up at Akira and nods.

"Yeah. That kinda sucks, but it is what it is, I guess."

Akira staggers back a pace, shocked and disbelieving about what she'd just heard.

"How… How could you be so casual about it? Aren't you concerned at all?"

Fumi shrugs.

"I'm sure the staff are doing everything they can. Though, I guess there's nothing that can really be done about it at this point."

Akira is stunned. She shakes her head slowly, glancing back down at her phone.

/Her heart… it isn't working properly? That means-/

Akira doesn't even have the time to be angry at Fumi's flippant attitude about such horrific news. Without a word, Akira turns and hurries out of the waiting area, dropping her phone in the process. The other girls all cry out in alarm.

"Whoa!"

"A-Akira-senpai?"

"Where the heck is she going?"

Michiru hurries over to find Akira already gone. She picks up her fallen phone as the others gather around to peer at the text message that had sent the ever-composed Yukishiro Akira into such a frenzy. The four of them blink, then look at the message on Akira's phone compared to the one on Fumi's.

"Ah-"

"Oh-"

But by then, Akira is already long gone.

---------

Akira hurries down the hallways as quickly as she believes the situation should warrant, in spite of the fact that she's in a hospital. She recalls from earlier that Fumi had said the room number, so she scours the halls for room 204.

When at last she skids to a halt there, Akira expects to see several somber doctors and nurses crowded around speaking to one another. But there's no one. It's just empty and quiet.

/They left her alone to handle such troubling news-?//

Akira dashes forward, caught up in the height of her panic as she grabs the door frame and calls out.

"Shiori!"

She spots the flower painting from the text messages Shiori had sent her earlier, so she knows she's in the right room even before she sees her. Shiori is lying in bed, huddled up beneath the blankets, clearly shivering. When she hears Akira call out her name, her eyes fly open with a start.

"Y-Yukishiro-senpai…?"

Akira hurries in to her bedside and drops to her knees, laying her hands over both of hers.

"Shiori- This is very serious, isn't it?"

"E-Eh?"

"Don't worry. All the staff here are professionals. I'm sure there's something they can do."

"Eh-?" Shiroi shakes her head a little. The shock of seeing Akira burst into her room suddenly and run to her side is so unexpected it's more or less snapped her clean out of her haze. "Y-Yukishiro-senpai? What-?"

But when Akira squeezes her hands more tightly, Shiori cuts off with a squeak, feeling her heart backflip.

"Shiori…" Akira bows her head, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm sorry… I pushed you too hard, didn't I? And now it's caused irreparable damage on your body…"

"Eh-?!" Shiori is completely sober, and completely lost now. Frantically, she sits herself up as best she can, though her hands remain clasped under Akira's. "Y-Yukishiro-senpai, please raise your head-"

"Shiori…" Akira does as she'd been asked, but when she lifts her face, her eyes are ridden with guilt, which only baffles Shiori even further. Akira reaches out to lift up the blankets and cover her shoulders and back with them. "You'd said you were cold…" She grits her teeth, trying to remain as composed as possible - for Shiori's sake.

/She seems just fine… like there's nothing wrong at all… And to think her heart is failing. Has it always been like this? Has she been suffering on the inside without letting on? Is her acting that phenomenal where none of us ever noticed…?/

Akira draws in another taut breath, clasping both of her hands around Shiori's once more.

"Shiori, does it hurt? Are you in pain?"

"Eh?" Shiori considers her arm where the needles had been administered. "A little. But-"

"Damn it…" Akira feels a stinging behind her eyes. This can't be happening… I refuse to lose her. "Shiori, is there anything I can do?"

"P-Please!" Shiori pipes. "Yukishiro-senpai, I-I'm not sure what's going on. Why did you run all the way here? Why are you so upset? You look like you're about to cry!"

And seeing her King, who is always so composed and collected, now genuinely upset makes Shiori feel like crying, too. It's very different from the distress Akira would put on for a play. Shiori can tell this is real, and it's worrying her to no end.

Akira draws in a long breath, looking up at her from where she's still kneeling on the floor.

"Shiori… the message you sent me…"

"About the heat?" Shiori says. "Why has that made you so panicked, Yukishiro-senpai?"

Akira blinks.

"...Huh? The heat?"

Shiori nods, though now she's started to sniffle a little bit just because she's been overcome with so many emotions all at once.

"Yes... Ah, I suppose it might not have made much sense since I was a little out-of-it when I sent it-" She gently slips one of her hands free of Akira's and picks up her phone, swiping through to find the message she'd sent her. "Now what did I say exactly? 'Yukishiro-senpai it seems my heart isn't'-"

She gasps.

"Ah-! O-Oh my goodness! I meant to type 'heat'! Th-That was a typo! I-I'm so sorry! Somehow it ended up turning into a completely different message with terrible implications-!" Shiori turns to Akira to meet her eyes directly, feeling her own vision brimming with tears. "Yukishiro-senpai, I-I'm so sorry! That isn't what I meant at all! It's the heat that isn't working, the heat!"

Akira blinks, then draws in a small breath.

"The heat?"

"Yes!"

"Then… your heart is-?"

"Absolutely fine! My heart is perfectly healthy, Yukishiro-senpai! Every single part of me is!" Shiori grasps Akira's hands with both of hers in earnest, her eyes watering. "I wasn't thinking clearly after I took the medicine! I must have typed an error! I'm so sorry!" Shiori throws her head forward into a bow, her hair flying up over her shoulders.

Akira is left dumbfounded on the floor, blinking slowly up at her.

A typo. A miscommunication. It had just so happened to be one that completely and inconveniently changed the entire meaning of the intended message.

The tightness and dread that has been plaguing her for the past several moments now slowly begins to unravel.

"So it was a mistake…"

"Yes!" Shiroi yelps. "A tiny mistake that lead to a huge misunderstanding! I'm so sorry!"

"No…" Akira sighs, letting out a long breath. "The important thing is that you're all right, Shiori."

"But I-!" Shiori lifts her head again, her face contorting as she tries to hold back the tears. "I caused you to make such an expression, Yukishiro-senpai…"

Akira herself can feel a warm wetness welling up behind her eyes, results of her sheer and genuine panic and confusion. Akira finds that Shiori's hands aren't the only ones shaking.

"Yukishiro-senpai," Shiori whimpers. "Please… stand up… I should be the one kneeling…"

Finally, Shiori loses her last shred of control and the tears begin to fall freely into her lap. Akira feels a few land on the backs of her hands. What had felt so surreal and distant now suddenly is made evident to her; the misunderstanding had come and gone, but Shiori is crying right now.

With a grunt, Akira pushes herself up from the floor slowly, feeling as her knees shake beneath her, her body still tingling from the crash of adrenaline. She squeezes Shiori's hands, and somehow with both of their shaking so much, they seem to grow steadier.

"Shiori, don't cry. It was an honest mistake." Akira turns her face into her shoulder and clears her eyes. "That explains why Fumi had such a weak reaction. I acted without discussing the topic properly."

"I'm sorry…" Shiori shakes her head again, refusing to look up. "It was such a silly mistake, but it made you so upset-"

"It's all right." Akira lifts Shiori's hands up, coaxing her to raise her face as well. Shiori hiccups a few more times before gradually meeting her eyes again with a sniffle.

"Yukishiro-senpai…"

"As I said, all that matters is that you're all right, Shiori."

Shiori can't hold herself back any longer. With a small wail she pulls her hands from Akira's only to throw her arms around her, burying her face in her chest.

Akira is taken aback initially; after all, she isn't one for such contact. But given the situation and the feelings hurt because of it, she doesn't protest. Rather, she lifts her arms too and wraps them around Shiori's back softly.

"It's all right, Shiori. Come on now, don't cry."

"I'm sorry…"

"Like I said, it's fine."

She says as much, but now that Shiori can't see her face, Akira closes her eyes and rests her chin on top of her head, breathing out a sigh of relief.

Shiori sobs quietly for a moment, and Akira doesn't let go of her. She's finding that she feels a lot better hugging her like this after suffering the scare.

Eventually, once Shiori has calmed down enough to speak, she eases away a little bit to peer up at her.

"Yukishiro-senpai, I'm-"

"You've already apologized. There's no need."

"But-"

"You're finished with your exams today, right? Then when you're ready, let's have lunch with everyone."

"Right…" Shiori sniffles again and wipes her face. Akira waits patiently.

After another moment or so, Shiori finally manages to speak clearly.

"Yukishiro-senpai… were you really that worried about me?"

"Of course I was. Who wouldn't be, receiving such a troubling message?"

"I'm sorry. But…" A tiny smile forms on Shiori's lips. "To know that you were worried about me… to the point where even you would lose your composure and come running to my side… it makes me a bit happy."

Akira blinks and looks away.

"I definitely behaved in an embarrassing way, considering it was a misunderstanding."

"But at the time you truly believed I was in pain!" Shiori reasons. "Given the circumstances, I would say you reacted quite normally! It's very nice to know you would do such a thing for my sake."

"Of course I would," Akira declares. "You're our irreplaceable Frau Jade."

Shiori's heart flutters.

"Thank you, Yukishiro-senpai. Are you… all right now…?" Seeing the refined Yukishiro Akira in a fluster and on the verge of tears earlier had certainly been a shock.

Akira finally smiles again as well and dips her head.

"Yes. Now that I understand what happened, I'm fine. Shiori, I'm sorry about all of this."

"No, it was my fault in the first place."

"It wasn't on purpose. I'm glad you're all right."

"Yes. I'm all right, Yukishiro-senpai."

"That's a relief. Are you still cold?"

Shiori leans forward and presses herself close in another hug.

"Not anymore."

Akira slowly curls her arm around Shiori's shoulders once again.

"I see."

For another moment, the two of them are silent. Now that it's all be cleared up, both of them have calmed down.

Only then does Shiori really realize what it is she's doing.

"Ah! I-I'm sorry!" She promptly pulls away from Akira, fiddling her fingers in her lap. "I-I just-"

"It's fine, Shiori. Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Good. Then shall we take our leave?" Akira offers her palm, dipping forward into a slight bow. Shiori blushes faintly, but slowly lifts up her hand to accept.

"Yes."

Akira takes her hand firmly, then gradually helps her out of bed and to her feet. Shiori sways a bit at first, but Akira puts an arm around her and steadies her.

"Take it easy. We aren't in a rush."

"Right."

Together, they head for the hallway, where the other four girls have quietly followed and are presently huddled together. Now, they all move back and pretend as though they've only just arrived.

"Ah!" Michiru calls out. "There they are!"

"Shiori!" Fumi moves forward and pulls her sister into a hug. "How was it? Were you nervous?"

"Not at all!" Shiori smiles. "Being able to message you and Yukishiro-senpai really helped calm my nerves!"

"So then the checkup went well?" Mei Fan wonders.

"Yes!"

"That's good," Yachiyo smiles, joining in on the sisters' hug. She casts Akira a teasing look. "Akira-senpai ran off suddenly, so we were all pretty confused."

"Ahh yes…" Shiori frets. "It's because I made a typo that caused a huge misunderstanding-"

"We saw," Fumi says, handing Akira her abandoned phone. "No wonder she was so freaked out."

"I'm sorry…" Shiori bows her head.

"It's all right!" Mei Fan says gently. "You were dizzy from the medicine and things."

"Even so," Yachiyo smirks. "I've never seen Akira-senpai move so quickly~"

"Enough." Akira puts an end to the conversation with a huff. "It was a misunderstanding and it's over now. Shiori is fine and that's all that matters."

"Yes!"

"Absolutely!"

"Agreed."

With this, all five girls move in to embrace Shiori in a warm hug. She giggles and hugs them each back in turn. She saves Akira for last, and lets that hug linger a little longer.

Once they've parted, Akira looks down a bit sheepishly.

"I should apologize to the staff for my disorderly behavior."

"Don't worry about it," Fumi says. "I don't think anyone minded."

The six girls head back to the lobby where Shiori is officially checked out. As they head for the doors, casual conversation starts up.

"So, where should we eat?"

"Shiori should choose! What do you have a hankering for, Shiori?"

"Me? Maybe a cafe?"

"A cafe it is!"

"Sounds good!"

"There's one close by."

As they head outside into the bright spring day, Akira casually falls back into step beside Shiori, who has been rubbing her hands together a little. Akira peers over at her.

"Shiori?"

"Ah! Sorry, it's nothing. My hands are still just a bit cold, that's all."

"Then it can't be helped." Akira reaches down between them and offers her hand. Shiori blinks, looking up at her with wide eyes to ask if it's really all right. Akira gives a slight nod. Shiori breaks out into a blossoming smile.

"Right!"

She accepts Akira's hand, curling her fingers with hers joyfully. Akira looks on ahead, satisfied.

And so the white lily grew just a bit closer to the blue rose.

---------

A/N: Loosely based on an actual typo I almost sent once... I thought about if I could use it to make a fanfic and it seemed to fit Shiori best of all! And it's always nice to write technologically-inept Akira, as well as all the others messing with her.