Starlight Stories (ch7)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $10+ PATRONS!

Day 7: Free day!

I decided to wrap up the story with all 4 of the main pairings back together settling down for bed.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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													Chapter 7. Goodnight

"Maaaan, that was so much fun!"

Karen's gleeful sigh fills their bedroom as the three girls finally return that evening. They'd had to stop by the restroom for a moment beforehand so Karen specifically could clean off some of the dirt on her knees while she'd excitedly told them about the events of her test of courage with Claudine. And even now as she gets ready for bed, she's still rambling.

"Some of those props Class B came up with were really cool! I was kinda scared once or twice I think, but overall, it was just a lot of fun!"

The other two have barely got a word in thus far since Karen had started ranting, but now as they change into pajamas and get ready for bed, it seems like Karen is more or less finished. Mahiru runs a hand through her hair from her spot on her mattress with an easygoing smile on her face.

"I'm glad you had fun with it, Karen-chan. I think Class B did a great job, too. I look forward to seeing what they can spook us with for Halloween!"

Hikari is already bundled up in her blanket on the floor, sitting up and looking like a cocoon.

"It was scary enough this time," she mumbles. "If they make it any scarier, I won't be able to do it."

Karen flops down onto her own bed and bounces a few times.

"I still can't believe you were that scared, Hikari-chan! I didn't even hear you scream at all!"

"My voice didn't work because I was too terrified."

"I kind of understand that," Mahiru chuckles. "I was surprised to find out that Tendo-san and I were sort of similar in that regard. We both were kind of too scared to scream or anything. We just ran past a lot of the scary parts. But a couple of times she totally froze up! I thought I'd have to call the whole thing off and have someone come help get us out."

Hikari turns back to her, tilting her head from where she's peeking up from the blanket.

"Really? Tendo-san was scared, too?"

"I know, right? With how incredible she is onstage, you'd think she has no weaknesses."

"I think it did come up before that she's scared of ghosts, though," Karen says. "Kuro-chan is scared of them too, but she didn't freeze up. She screamed and ran! Hikari-chan, what were Kaoruko-chan and Banana like?"

"Oh." Hikari smiles a little. "Well, as you can imagine, Hanayagi-san kept acting like she wasn't scared."

"That sounds about right," Mahiru nods.

"She probably wasn't as scared as me," Hikari continues. "But at least she was trying to act brave. But Banana was definitely the bravest of us all. She was so carefree and made sure to keep us close so we wouldn't get lost or anything."

Karen nods.

"Mm-hm! That sounds very Banana-like! Y'know, I actually kind of liked going with other people for this test of courage. Of course it would've been tons of fun with you guys, too!"

"I know what you mean," Mahiru says. "It was sort of nice to change things up a bit. I learned some things about Tendo-san I had no idea about before."

"Me too," Hikari agrees. "But I'm kind of glad it's over… I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight…"

"Aww, Hikari-chan!" Karen jumps up from her bed and crawls onto the floor, throwing her arms around her old friend in a big hug. "Then how about Mahiru-chan and I sleep down here with you tonight?"

"Eh? N-No that's all right-"

"Great idea, Karen-chan!" Mahiru gets up from her bed too, taking her pillow and a blanket with her onto the floor. "I think I'll sleep more easily too if I'm next to you guys tonight." She puts her things down and opens her arms to join the embrace.

Hikari nuzzles up against each of them in turn.

"Karen… Mahiru…"

"No spooky nightmares tonight!" Karen declares. "Our sleep will be restless!"

"I think you mean restful, Karen-chan."

"Oh, right!"

The three girls giggle before arranging themselves on the floor-mattress of blankets and plushies. They all lie down together in a messy warm embrace and let out a big mutual sigh.

"Night, Hikari-chan. Night, Mahiru-chan."

"Goodnight, Karen. Goodnight, Mahiru."

"Goodnight, Karen-chan. Goodnight Hikari-chan."

And just like that, all scary thoughts of the test of courage are erased from their minds.

"Admit it, Kaoruko. You were scared outta your wits."

"I most certainly was not."

Futaba sits on her bed kicking her legs over the side, wearing a smug grin. Across from her, Kaoruko is sitting on her own bed with her arms crossed in an indignant pose with her nose turned up.

"Really~?" Futaba goads her. "Cuz I'm pre-tty sure I heard you shriekin' like a little kid."

"You must have been so scared yourself that you were imagining things."

"Hah! Me? Scared? Hoshimi and I were the strongest pair out there tonight."

This time, it's Kaoruko's turn to smirk.

"Oh, really? Because I could've sworn I'd overheard her saying something about a… raccoon, was it?"

"Geh-" Futaba blushes for a split second and turns away. "That doesn't count! That wasn't even a part of the test of courage, so it's fair that I got spooked by something totally unexpected that wasn't even supposed to be there."

"But you did get spooked, no?"

"Not enough to scream bloody murder like you."

"Hmph! You were on a different path than me. Clearly, yours was much tamer and mine was the scariest one they had."

"So that's your excuse, huh?"

"It isn't an excuse. It's an explanation." Kaoruko leans back against her pillows and headboard, slouching awkwardly. "And besides, I wasn't nearly as scared as Kagura-han. Poor girl didn't even budge unless Banana-han led her by the hand."

"I can imagine," Futaba grins. "It's a good thing you two had Nana with you to keep you sane, or else I'm sure they would've had to call a search party to find you guys. You and Kagura might even still be out there right now frozen in terror."

"We would not be!"

"Sure, sure." Futaba laughs again, and it sends Kaoruko into another huff.

"Anyway, If you're quite finished teasing me, I'd like to go to sleep now." She flops down onto her side and curls up. "Goodnight."

Futaba sighs and leans over to turn off the lamp.

"Night, Kaoruko."

Futaba lies down as well and closes her eyes, replaying the events of the fun evening over in her head for a few minutes. But it isn't long afterward when she feels a presence and weight behind her on the mattress. She rolls over to find Kaoruko blushing and timidly inching closer.

"Oh?" Futaba grins. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Kaoruko huffs and slips in beneath the blankets.

"I simply thought you might feel better sleeping next to me tonight after having such a frightful evening."

And they both know it's the other way around in terms of who wants comfort right now, but Futaba decides to be merciful and spares her.

"Right, right. I'll feel so much better if I don't sleep alone tonight. Thanks for coming to rescue me, Kaoruko."

"I-It's my pleasure…" She flashes Futaba a bashful glance that's almost even a little apologetic. Futaba sighs and opens her arms up wide.

"C'mere, you."

"If you insist..."

Kaoruko nestles up to her, clinging tightly around Futaba's back while she buries her face in her collar. Futaba lazily runs her hands up and down her roommate's back and through her hair. Kaoruko is quiet for a moment, clearly relieved to be back with her partner now.

"Perhaps I was… a little scared…" she mumbles.

"Wow, look who's being honest," Futaba chuckles. "I guess I was a bit startled by some things, too."

"So you admit it."

"So did you."

There's another little huff from Kaoruko, and Futaba kisses the top of her head.

"Night, Kaoruko."

"Goodnight, Futaba-han."

"Phew! What a night!" Nana sighs as she and Junna walk into their room. Nana flops down onto the nearest mattress. "I'm ready for bed!"

"That's my bed, Nana."

"Oh! So it is. Do you mind, Junna-chan? I think I'm too tired to move!"

Junna sighs and pushes her glasses further up her nose. But then a little idea sparks in her head.

"Fine," she says playfully. "Then I'll just sleep in your bed."

"Ehhh? No fair! Junna-chan, come sleep with me!"

"Wow. I'm surprised you actually said it. I guess I can't say no to that request." Junna turns off the light and heads over to her bed, removing her glasses to put them on the night stand. Nana moves over to make room for her.

"So, tell me more about this raccoon!"

Junna blushes.

"Listen, it was unexpected, okay?"

"I'm sure it was! But I just think it's so cute that that's what spooked you the most, Junna-chan!"

Junna doesn't say anything. She just lies down with her back facing Nana to hide her blush. Nana whines.

"Aww, Junna-chan, turn around!" She reaches out to hug her and wiggles her fingers around Junna's sides. Junna shrieks outright.

"N-Nana! Don't tickle me!"

"Heehee, Junna-chan, that was such a cute sound!"

"Nana!" Junna flips over to grab her arms and wrestle her hands into stillness. Nana just grins back at her triumphantly.

"My plan succeeded," she says mischievously. "Come here, Junna-chan!" Nana pulls her into a big warm hug.

And Junna knows better than anyone that Nana's hugs are impossible to dislike. Anyone pulled into such a soft and caring embrace would melt immediately. Especially Junna.

"Geez. You're something else, Nana…"

"Heehee. So tell me more about you and Futaba-chan. Did you guys get scared by anything else?"

"Not really. She's probably one of the most sensible people of the group for that sort of event. We both just kinda discussed each prop and costume as they were presented to us."

"Seriously? You two must've been no fun if you didn't even get scared by Class B's things!"

"I think your group got scared enough for all of us," Junna smiles. "I could hear Hanayagi-san shrieking all through the woods, and I can only assume Kagura-san was too petrified to make a sound, right?"

"You hit the nail on the head!" Nana laughs. "Kaoruko-chan was trying to act all tough, but she was shaking even more than Hikari-chan was! Though I think Hikari-chan was so scared she couldn't even find the energy to tremble…"

"Geez." Junna shakes her head. "Then it's a good thing they had you there to keep them sane."

"It was a lot of fun! They were both really cute. But not as cute as you, Junna-chan!"

"Wh-What the heck?" Junna hides her face even further into Nana's shoulder and her soft hair. Nana gives her a little squeeze.

"Junna-chan, you're kind of like a raccoon."

"Eh? Where's this coming from? And I thought we already decided I'm a cat."

"Hmm that's true, but so is this! You're a raccoon, too! You seem all feisty and tough at first, but then you can be all cute and cuddly like this."

Junna sighs and just admits defeat. She inches closer to Nana and burrows into her neck.

"Then if I'm a raccoon, you're a big mama bear," she decides. "I'll bet you protected Kagura-san and Hanayagi-san with your life out there tonight. You're so tall, and you can be all scary and ferocious. But you're also really just a big huggable mush underneath it all. A big teddy bear."

Nana giggles again. "A bear. I like that." She pulls Junna closer into what can only be described as a bear hug. Junna indulges herself and cuddles right up to her, finally closing her eyes.

"Goodnight, Nana."

"Goodnight, Junna-chan."

The nine of them had come back into the dorms together to wash up and get changed, but Claudine and Maya linger in the restrooms longer than the others. Claudine has to shower to get all of the fake blood off herself, and Maya dutifully takes her red-splattered clothes to the laundry room for her in the meantime.

By the time Claudine has finally washed off, changed, and dried her hair, it's well past 10pm. She doesn't even have the energy to try and chase Maya off when she follows Claudine into her bedroom.

Claudine goes directly to her bed to sit down, and Maya invites herself to sit right beside her. Claudine flashes her a brief little glare for being so smug about it.

"Well," Maya begins. "I must say that was a rather interesting night. Class B did a splendid job with decorating the forest."

"I'll say," Claudine says, leaning back on her palms. "My only regret was not being able to see you experience it. I bet you turned whiter than a ghost yourself, Tendo Maya. Mahiru is too sweet to rat you out, but I know it's the truth."

Maya puts a hand to her chin and ponders for a thoughtful response.

"I was simply letting my raw emotions express themselves for the sake of the experiment. My genuine reactions assisted Class B in assessing their project, no doubt."

"I bet you weren't blabbing this much during the actual test," Claudine huffs. "You must've been scared out of your wits."

"Oh, but was it not your screams everyone heard echoing through the woods, Saijou Claudine?"

Claudine puffs out her cheeks.

"Listen, not every path had an actual human being dressed up to pop out at you. People can scare you a heck of a lot better than some doll or prop."

"I suppose that's a fair argument," Maya nods. "But you know…" Without warning, Maya suddenly leans sideways onto Claudine's shoulder. It surprises her so much that Claudine doesn't even think twice before her arm is reaching out around her to prevent her from slipping.

"Hey! T-Tendo Maya, what are you-?"

"Saijou-san," she murmurs. "The part in all this that scared me the most was the ending."

"Eh?"

Maya inches a little closer to her, and her tone drops a pitch.

"When you emerged from the woods seemingly covered in blood, my heart nearly stopped."

Claudine bites her lip. This level of sincerity and cuteness from her is highly uncalled-for and highly unfair. She has no choice but to wrap her other arm around Maya as well and pull her into a fuller hug. She can't even be playfully irked at her.

"You're… really insufferable. That's so dramatic."

Claudine pulls her in nonetheless and holds Maya against her chest for a moment, carding through her hair. She knows Maya must have been genuinely upset and frightened about something that was so clearly just paint. It's flattering and sweet.

"I swear," Claudine mutters. "How did Mahiru put up with you?"

Maya slowly recovers from her moment of repose and lets out a chuckle.

"How did you ever handle Aijou-san?"

"Geez," Claudine scoffs. "It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that. She kept running off!"

Maya laughs. "That sounds very much like her."

With the mood lifted now, Claudine shuts off her lamp and they both lie down in bed together. In spite of the fact that all the 'blood' that had been covering Claudine had been fake, she actually had sustained one small real cut on her forearm. She'd found it during her shower, but it had been so small and shallow she'd assumed Maya would never notice.

She should've known better than to underestimate her.

Even in the darkness now, Maya somehow manages to locate the tiny scrape on Claudine's wrist. She brings it to her lips and holds a soft kiss to it. Claudine's face begins to heat up.

"All right. You're being dramatic again."

"My apologies."

In spite of the teasing, Claudine knows Maya is still probably a little upset about thinking she was actually hurt and bleeding earlier. So Claudine opens her arms.

Maya tilts her head. "What's this?"

"Hurry, before I change my mind."

So Maya accepts the blessing of an offer and hugs Claudine around her waist, cuddling up against her chest. Claudine blushes and pets through her hair and all down her back.

"So," she murmurs. "Shall we go back to visit the Halloween test of courage together?"

Maya hums in contemplation.

"I believe I can think of a few more pleasant ways to make you scream, Saijou-san."

"Mechante- Get out of my bed!"

"It was but a jest, Ma Claudine."

And Claudine is too ruffled and exhausted to fight her after the pet name is used. She just huffs and hugs Maya tighter - as if that's some kind of punishment. Maya nestles up close to her collar and closes her eyes.

"Bonne nuit, Ma Claudine."

And Claudine grumbles out a long sigh, but eventually says it back.

"Bonne nuit… Ma Maya."

And all the nine girls sleep soundly.

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A/N: Ta-da! There you have it! I wanted to wrap this story up with all the pairs and what better way to do it than with my favorite trope: cuddling and sharing a bed?

I hope you enjoyed this story and Revue Starlight Week! I know I definitely did!