Tender Moments (ch2)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGHER-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANK YOU!

My Halloween fic this year is: ta-da! Kuromaya! What a surprise! As promised this chapter will be 0 drama so enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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															Chapter 2.

"Honestly, where is she...?"

Claudine struts down the hallway in her nightgown, keeping her eyes open for the person she's seeking. Usually it's the other way around, but tonight is a special occasion, and she can't have Maya missing out.

As she hurries along, the colorful decorations tacked onto the walls blur in the corners of her eyes. The little pumpkins and bats and black cats have been lining the hallways for weeks now, but tonight is the night they matter most.

Being that it's Halloween night, their group had decided to get together for a movie session. It's something they often do at least a few times a month, but tonight everyone had been more excited about it than usual.

Everyone except for one person, it seems.

But Claudine has an idea of where to find her.

She makes her way to the dance studio, which no one else but herself and the person she's seeking would be in at this hour of the evening. She can't hear any music playing, but as she nears she can hear the unmistakable sounds of patterned footsteps. She reaches the door and slides it open with a wham.

"Tendo Maya! Just what do you think you're doing?"

Surely enough, Maya is inside, dressed in her workout clothes, going through the motions of a dance she absolutely doesn't need to practice again.

But not even Claudine's disapproving tone is enough to draw Maya from her concentration on her dance. She keeps going as though she hasn't heard a thing.

Claudine would've at least liked to have startled her a bit to make her listen, and the fact that she couldn't irks her immensely. She clenches her fists and storms her way in, stomping right up to her. Only then does Maya stop.

"Why, what a pleasant surprise. Care to join me?"

"Have you completely lost your mind?" Claudine snaps. "Don't you remember we have plans tonight?"

"I remember," she replies cooly. "I was just finishing up here."

"We're going to be late. Daiba-san has already prepared all of the snacks, and Karen and the others have already come back from candy-shopping. We're all ready except for you."

"And you volunteered to come fetch me?" Maya smiles. "I'm honored."

"Cette femme, I swear..." Claudine huffs and reaches out to grab Maya's hand. "Let's go before we miss everything! You need to change out of those dirty clothes, too!"

Claudine all but drags Maya back down the way she'd come, not slowing her pace even a little. Maya gladly follows for a change.

The dorm rooms are filled with distant giggles and shrieks of fun, further adding to the enjoyable atmosphere. Claudine seems to be the only one not having fun.

"I have to babysit," she utters.

Maya stifles a chuckle.

Claudine leads her back to her room and demands she go freshen up and change clothes.

"And be quick about it! No dilly-dallying!"

"Oui, mademoiselle."

And Maya does as she's told, washing up a bit and changing into her own nightgown. She doesn't move as quickly as she can though, and wanting to fluster Claudine is only part of the reason. She can picture her standing outside the door, arms crossed and foot tapping in her impatience.

Eventually Maya opens her door and steps out to find her exactly as she'd envisioned. Claudine snaps her head up instantly.

"It's about time! Let's go!" She grabs Maya's hand again and begins dragging her down the hall once more.

There are several larger rooms throughout the dormitory, rooms equipped with television sets, coffee tables, and multiple couches and chairs, where a handful of students can convene and converse together. Their group had claimed one such room months ago, and now it's their regular hangout spot on their designated movie nights, and that's where Claudine is headed now.

They pass by more little decorations – ghosts and witches and skeletons – and several rooms have small carved pumpkins sitting outside. But Claudine doesn't stop to appreciate them. She doesn't stop until she reaches their door and gives a swift knock.

"I've brought her," she reports, pulling Maya up next to her as she pushes her way through. Maya dips her head in apology.

"Sorry, ladies. I'm here now."

Everyone else is inside lounging on the couches around the food-filled coffee table, and they all perk up to greet them.

"Kuro-chan! Tendo-san!" Karen sings.

"It's about time," Kaoruko whines. "We were just about to start without you."

"Welcome, and Happy Halloween!" Nana chirps. "Please help yourselves! There are plenty of snacks."

Maya smirks and drapes an arm around Claudine's shoulders.

"I've got mine already, thank you."

A collective sound mixed with squeals and groans fills the room, promptly followed by laughter.

"Smooth, Tendo!" Futaba calls.

"So it begins," Junna sighs.

"T-Tendo-san?" Mahiru pipes up. "I think you made her mad..."

Naturally Maya's comment has caused Claudine to turn cherry-red. But by some miracle she hasn't pushed Maya off of her yet.

"You're lucky," she mutters. "You're lucky it's a special occasion, or else you'd be in the dog house tonight."

"I'll consider it a miracle then."

"All right!" Futaba says. "Enough flirtin'! Get over here so we can start already!"

Claudine lets out a huff before making her way over with Maya.

The three couches make a horseshoe around the table to face the TV, where Junna is figuring out the setup and the remote. Nana waits for her on one of the couches, setting up a small candle at the center of the food table. She lights it to get the mood set.

The couch across from them is occupied by Hikari, Karen, and Mahiru who are huddled together under a blanket. Hikari and Mahiru hold their respective plushies, and Karen is holding a bowl of popcorn which the three of them take turns picking at.

The third couch is occupied by Kaoruko and Futaba who are also sharing a blanket, and they make room for Claudine and Maya. Claudine takes the last blanket for Maya and herself and sits down beside Futaba with a heavy sigh. Futaba nudges her.

"Take a load off. Now's the time to relax and enjoy the holiday!"

"Ready!" Junna announces. "Oh! But first..." She scurries over to flick off the light switch, shrouding the room in darkness, save from the candlelight and the glow of the TV. Mahiru is the only one who shrieks audibly, but Claudine can swear she feels Maya stiffen next to her as well. But she doesn't have the time to start to wonder about it. Karen's excited voice is already gabbing away.

"Yeah~! This is the perfect mood for a Halloween movie night! What are we watching?"

"A horror film, obviously!" Futaba snickers.

"Nothing too bloody?" Hikari mumbles.

"Not at all!" Nana assures them. "Just a lot of jump scares and suspense."

"All right it's starting," Junna says.

Everyone settles in, enjoying their food or drinks if they have them and relaxing against the cushions. Claudine unfolds her blanket and drapes it over herself partially, then offers the other half to Maya. She nudges her to have her take it, but Maya doesn't budge. Claudine elbows her a second time and Maya jumps.

"Eh? Oh, thank you."

"You're welcome." Claudine raises an eyebrow, puzzled by how Maya slowly accepts the blanket and half-heartedly pulls it across her lap. Claudine shrugs, slouching into her slightly. She settles back against the couch and looks up to the screen as the film begins.

It's the typical horror thriller, set in dark misty woods with a group of unsuspecting travelers wandering in not knowing about the ghosts and monsters that lie in ambush. The music alone is enough to put anyone on-edge, and just about all of the girls subconsciously shift closer to their partners.

The first half-hour has seen two people picked off already and six left. Junna and Nana are placing bets about which of the characters is going to survive.

"It's gotta be the guy with the mohawk," Junna guesses.

"Really?" Nana hums. "I think the girl with the twin-tails could make it."

Across from them, Karen's group is mumbling as well.

"I think those creatures are kinda cool," Karen mumbles around a mouthful of popcorn.

"I haven't been able to look at them," Mahiru whimpers, clinging to one of Karen's arms. "Tell me whenever they're coming back."

"I'm just glad they didn't eat the dog," Hikari comments, clinging to Karen's other arm.

And at the middle couch, Futaba takes over the conversation.

"I hope the chick with the glasses is next to go," she says. "She pisses me off."

"I'm still amazed by how this kind of thing entertains people," Kaoruko yawns. "It's so boorish."

"Aw c'mon, can't you just try to enjoy it, Kaoruko? It's Halloween."

"I suppose..."

Only Claudine and Maya have remained quiet all this time. Claudine hasn't taken her eyes off the film once yet, but it's less due to the fact that she's engrossed in the story and more so that she's intrigued by the acting skills. She hasn't really been paying attention to much else until Futaba calls out for the final person in the room.

"Oy, Tendo. How're you doing over there?"

Claudine snaps out of it and pulls her gaze away from the TV for a moment in favor of turning toward Maya.

And she's shocked to find Maya huddled up beneath the blanket with her eyes closed.

Claudine's jaw drops.

"M-Maya?"

"Eh?" Maya opens her eyes to find all of her eight friends staring at her in the darkness. Claudine reaches out for her slowly.

"Are you all right? Don't tell me you're afraid-"

And suddenly a memory resurfaces. She'd heard it somewhere from someone at some point, that Maya Tendo was scared of ghosts and horror and things of that nature. It's a tidbit that wouldn't come into play at any other time of year, so it hasn't been a prevalent thought in Claudine's mind until just now.

But she can see it clear as day now in this dark room that the refined Maya Tendo is scared out of her wits.

There's a beat of silence for a moment, and Junna even pauses the movie. Maya blinks as though coming out of a trance.

"Ah, I'm sorry. What is it...?"

"Tendo-san..."

"You should've said something!"

"Should we stop the movie?"

"Maybe we should watch something else-"

Maya finally realizes what's happening and looks around at all of her classmates.

"No, it's all right. You don't have to stop it."

"Are you sure?" Nana asks. "You look a little pale."

"Well, that is the point of a horror movie," Futaba says.

"But still..."

As for Claudine, she's very sure she would've been smirking devilishly in her amusement at this discovery if not for how tightly Maya is gripping the blanket. She swallows back a teasing comment and decides to be gentle with her instead.

"Maya-san~?" Claudine presses into her side a little and covers her hands with her own. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"Yes... I'll be fine."

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

Everyone shares glances around the room, but eventually Junna resumes the movie.

Claudine enjoys herself immensely more now in knowing the proud indomitable Maya Tendo is quivering like a leaf beside her. She knows she really shouldn't be enjoying it this much, but she can't help it. She thinks it's adorable.

Before long everyone can tell the next monster is going to claim another victim. Claudine feels Maya groping for her hand beneath the blanket, and when she finds it she grips it tightly. She pulls her legs up onto the couch and huddles into herself.

Bemused, Claudine cuddles up close to her.

"Would you like me to cover your eyes for you?"

For once, Maya can't even find the wit to respond in her usual smug manner.

"I might..."

"Oh, you poor thing."

Claudine holds both of her hands now as the next dramatic chase scene commences. It's probably the most intense sequence yet, enough to make everyone clam up and cuddle close to whoever is next to them. Claudine can feel her heart racing, but it's more from the thrill than from fear.

As for Maya...

Her hands are squeezing the circulation out of Claudine's fingers, and her eyes are shut tight. Claudine rests her head against her shoulder and speaks calmly.

"It isn't real. They're actors just like we are. Every one of these people is alive and well in reality."

She hears a huff from across the couch.

"Way to spoil the mood, Saijou-san," Kaoruko complains.

"Oy, weren't you the one who was dissin' the movie earlier?" Futaba asks.

"I'm impressed," Nana says. "I think it's very neat how you can remove yourself from the movie and keep your hold on reality, Saijou-san."

"Yes," Claudine says. "I think it would be best for some of us to maintain our hold on reality tonight." She squeezes Maya's hands again, but the frightened girl doesn't even open her eyes.

Claudine sighs, freeing her hands with a bit of effort to reposition herself, and pulls the blanket higher over the two of them.

It's the loss of Claudine's hands in hers that causes Maya to peek open her eyes, and she even lets out a small gasp before she realizes Claudine is still there with her, smiling.

"Did you think a monster got me?" she muses. "Don't worry, I'm still here. I'll protect you. And besides, you can wield a sword, can't you?"

"...Yes..."

"Then we're fine."

Maya swallows audibly, and seems to be slightly more at ease for a second.

And then of course the monster tackles two more people, and Maya ducks her face into Claudine's shoulder like a frightened puppy. Claudine kisses her head and hugs her. She's absolutely glowing, and everyone notices it.

It puts them all in the mood to cuddle up with their own partners a bit more and enjoy the night.

They all talk and eat until the movie has runs its course.

By the time Junna gets up to turn the lights back on, Karen Hikari and Mahiru have fallen asleep clinging to one another, and Kaoruko and Futaba are barely still awake. Claudine is all but holding Maya in her lap by now, and she only nudges her because her legs are going numb.

"Tendo-san?" she coos. "Are you awake? The movie is over."

"Yeah," Futaba grunts. "Time to get up, Kaoruko."

"Karen," Junna says, shaking her. "You guys too."

Everyone spends a few moments rousing themselves and one another, and cleaning up the food. Claudine coaxes Maya back into the world of the waking, but keeps the blanket draped over her back. Maya shakes her head slowly as she moves off of Claudine's lap.

"It's over?" she wonders. "I'm sorry to have missed it. I was a bit tired."

"Just tired?" Futaba hums. "Sure ya weren't scared?"

"Did it seem that I was?" Maya says cooly. "I suppose it could have."

"It definitely did," Kaoruko mutters.

But it seems everyone is willing to let Maya's fear of scary movies go.

Everyone, of course, except Claudine. She plans to hold onto this knowledge for the rest of her life.

Once everyone stretches and gets to their feet, they mumble "goodnights" and "Happy Halloweens" as Hikari and Nana remind them to brush their teeth before going to bed. At last everyone begins to wander out back into the hallway and toward their own rooms. Everyone except for Maya, which means Claudine stays behind as well.

Maya is folding up the blankets and putting them back in their proper places on the couch, but Claudine can tell she's doing it in order to put off something else. She has an inkling. She wanders over to stand beside her, hands folded behind her back.

"Are you almost finished, Tendo-san?"

"I'm almost finished-"

"You are finished," Claudine assures her. "Why are you delaying going outside into the hallway, exactly?"

Maya refuses to look at her.

"I'm not-"

"If you're that scared, I'll gladly hold your hand and escort you." She only says it partially as a tease, but for the most part she genuinely means it. Maya lets out a thin sigh and finally meets her gaze.

"Then please... if you would..."

Claudine unclasps her hands from behind her back and slips her fingers right through Maya's.

"Of course." She gives a light tug to bring Maya down for a small kiss, then leads her to the door.

The hallway lights have been dimmed by this hour, and as soon as they walk out Claudine feels Maya's grip on her hand tighten. Claudine pauses and waits for her to adjust.

Maya steps out timidly, like a frightened deer. Claudine tries not to smirk.

She sticks by Maya's side as they walk slowly down the halls. Maya does her best to stand tall, but it's rather unconvincing when she jumps at the sight of one of the ghost decorations. Claudine decides to talk in order to keep her grounded in reality.

"It was a decent movie, albeit highly unrealistic. Impossible, of course. Those kind of creatures don't exist, not even on Halloween."

Maya says nothing. Her lips are pursed tightly as she keeps her eyes on Claudine and nowhere else. Claudine makes sure to stay close enough to reassure Maya of her presence.

"Don't worry. If anything were to jump out at us, I'd protect you with my life."

Maya has been despondent beside her, but that finally gets a bit of a reaction.

"That's very reassuring. I do feel better."

She's finally getting a bit of her confidence back when she suddenly steps on a creaking floorboard.

And Maya gasps in a way Claudine has never heard before. She feels her jolt like a startled cat and then almost stumble. Claudine scrambles to keep her on her feet.

"It's all right!" she says. "It's all right. Goodness you're a fine mess, aren't you?"

"Sorry," Maya sighs. "I've never been good with ghosts and the like... Halloween is always difficult."

"That's all fine," Claudine says. "Just don't give yourself a heart-attack. Or me, for that matter." She tightens her grip on Maya's hand and leads onward at a steady pace down the halls. "Now whose room am I going to?" she wonders. "Yours is closer. Would you prefer to stop there?"

"Yes, if you would..."

"Of course I will. We're almost there."

It's oddly pleasant, to be in charge of things now with Maya relying almost entirely on her for security. Claudine loves being her protector, but it's also a bit unnerving in the sense that she's not sure she could help her like she might need if worse comes to worst. It's all a bit intimidating to consider, but luckily they're almost at their destination.

"See?" she hums. "Nothing to be afraid of."

And as if on cue for some cruel joke, one of the nearby decorations suddenly falls from its spot on the wall. It startles both of them into shrieking. Maya freezes in her terror, expecting the monsters to jump out and attack.

But Claudine's first instinct is to move - not to flee, but to throw her arms out and shield Maya with her own body. She waits, eyes squeezed shut, expecting the claws and fangs to sink into her flesh...

And it never happens.

Slowly, both girls open their eyes to look down at the little paper ghost that had fallen onto the floor.

Maya sinks to her knees. Claudine yelps.

"H-Hey! Tendo Maya!"

"A ghost..."

"Not a real one! Get ahold of yourself! We're fine." She's grabs one of Maya's hands and gives a tug to get her back on her feet. Claudine prevents her from swaying and dusts her off a bit. "Honestly though, talk about poor timing... But it's fine. We're fine. Nothing is after us. Are you all right?"

Maya draws in a deep breath and slowly nods.

"Yes. It's nice to know you would throw yourself in harm's way for my sake."

"Wh- That was just a reflex!"

"Even so, thank you, Claudine. But don't sacrifice yourself for me. We can stand and fight together."

"Says the girl who couldn't even stand. I'll handle the ghosts." Claudine straightens her posture and turns around. "Come on, then. We're almost there."

She manages to lead them the rest of the way to Maya's room and opens the door. It's dark of course, so she instantly turns the lights on before Maya can spiral into a panic again. Claudine leads her inside and closes the door behind her.

"Shall I check for monsters?"

Evidently being back in the comfort of her own room with the lights on has put Maya at ease.

"There's no need. But the offer is appreciated. I do have one request though..." She hasn't let go of Claudine's hand yet. Claudine doesn't let go either.

"What is it?"

Maya swallows and looks her dead in the eyes.

"Please don't go. Please stay."

And Claudine almost chortles, but manages to hold back most of it.

"Oh, goodness! We've been sleeping in the same bed for weeks now and you think I'm suddenly going to up and leave you on the night when you're terrified out of your wits? Of course I'm staying. And we'll leave the lights on."

Maya breathes a sigh of relief.

"Thank you."

"There's really no need. Come now, let's have you relax."

Claudine brings her over to the bed and has her sit, kicking off her slippers as she joins her. Maya exhales, long and slow. Claudine sidles up next to her and rests a hand on her back.

"Are you sure you're all right? Would you like to stay awake awhile longer and play a game or something? I can't have you having nightmares."

But Maya shakes her head.

"I'll be fine. I'm sure of it. So long as you're here."

"I'm not going anywhere." Claudine strains up to kiss her lips, hoping to distract her from her thoughts.

It works like a charm.

Maya wraps her arms around Claudine, letting her hands roam across her sides and shoulders, as if to confirm the surefire reality in front of her. The images of the monsters all fade from her mind as Claudine takes hold of her senses. She breathes in the scent of her cherry-blossom shampoo, tastes the sweetness of her lips, hears the flutter of air in her breath, feels the gentle warmth of her body.

And whens she next opens her eyes she's met with two pools of rose quartz.

When Claudine is with her, it's easy to forget about everything else. She's so grateful to her, so lucky to have her.

Maya initiates the next kiss, finally getting back to her old self. Claudine gladly relinquishes control to her if it means she's regained her confidence.

Their hugs and kisses tonight are soft and slow and tired, and before long Claudine finds herself lying down beside her. Maya has a smile on her lips again after having kissed her so many times. She's definitely at ease now, gladly cuddling up to Claudine, thankful for the lights staying on. Claudine contents herself with running her hands up and down Maya's back, playing with her hair. She reflects on the evening's events and hums to herself.

"So you're a scaredy cat. I'd completely forgotten. I'll have to remember for next Halloween."

"I'm sure I'll discover one of your secrets in turn, Ma Claudine."

"I look forward to seeing you try."

"I'll accept that challenge."

Maya hugs her around her waist and back, nuzzling softly against her collar. She's just about mellowed out when another small noise from outside the window makes her jolt and gasp.

"Oh, honestly!" Claudine huffs, not at Maya but at the source of the sound. "Acorns dropping at this time of night? It's all right, I promise." She rolls slightly onto her back and gently cradles Maya's head against her chest. "Listen here instead."

Maya lets out a breath and willingly relaxes against her. Her head is quickly filled with the steady drumming of Claudine's heartbeat. It always puts her at ease, but never quite as effectively as it does now. Maya is calm again in seconds, savoring the familiar pulse, relishing her warmth.

"Merci," she sighs. "I mean it, Claudine. Thank you."

"You're welcome. And Happy Halloween. Now get some rest." Claudine kisses the top of her head. "Je t'aime, Ma Maya."

"Je t'aime, Ma Claudine."

It's become like a nightly mantra to them, to make sure their words of affection are the last thing each other hears at night. Both girls let out a sigh together and cuddle up.

In spite of the room's brightness, they both manage to fall asleep rather quickly and rest soundly throughout the Halloween night.


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A/N: So I wrote this weeks ago in early October and then halfway through the month some canon Revue content came out depicting Maya and Claudine supposedly watching a scary movie and Claudine was freaking the heck out and Maya was trying to play it cool soooo... my version written before we got that info is kind of inaccurate BUT I hope you can overlook and accept it ahaha

Also for those of you who might be confused as to why Claudine kept switching in calling her "Maya," "Maya-san" and "Tendo-san", it's sort of a joke in Japanese culture. Close friends who commonly address each other informally by first names will tease each other by reverting back to the informality of last names or adding honorifics in some joking or lighthearted situations.

Now then Maya did say she'd try to figure out one of Claudine's secrets in return...