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Love Stories From Starlight Kingdom (ch2)

Jan 20th, 2020
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  1. EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $30+ PATRONS!
  2.  
  3. Unfortunately there are gonna be a few similarities between this chapter and the previous. Hikari's curse and what happens here are sort of similar. This chapter's fairytale will be pretty easy to pinpoint, eventually.
  4.  
  5. Also, word-wise, these two got the short straw. I'm not sure why, but fewer events just happened here for some reason... I think it's because the curse is very straightforward, whereas the others have a few more components to them. And like Mahikaren, these two already know each other, so there's no need for an introduction scene, which isn't the case for the chapters to come...
  6.  
  7. But anyway, here is the summer chapter!
  8.  
  9. Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.
  10.  
  11. ----------
  12.  
  13. Chapter 2. The Gardener And The Spoiled Girl
  14.  
  15. Once, there lived two young girls whom the same tragedy had befallen. Their parents had been killed in freak accidents around the same time, and neither had any other family. They had lived together in Starlight Kingdom's orphanage from a young age, and had befriended one another before anyone else.
  16.  
  17. All her life, Kaoruko had been a bit sickly. She was sharp with her tongue, but if people got past that, she was no good in a physical altercation. So whenever the other children – mainly the boys – at the orphanage harassed her, she only had so many words to try and fend them off with before they got to her and started yanking on her hair or clothes. She'd usually have to deal with it until they got bored and left, telling herself she'd be strong, that she wouldn't cry.
  18.  
  19. But the day when the boys had been roughest with her, Kaoruko had sunk down to her knees and begun to sob, which had only made her tormentors more and more keen on their antics.
  20.  
  21. But that had been when her knight in shining armor had appeared. A girl with a bit of a shorter stature than Kaoruko herself, short-cut hair, and a delinquent's speech.
  22.  
  23. Her name was Futaba, and she'd chased off all the boys while quite literally kicking their butts. She'd saved Kaoruko that day, and ever since, they'd been looking out for one another.
  24.  
  25. They'd left the orphanage together at fifteen since no one had adopted either of them by that age. But Futaba had proposed they live together on their own with the money they'd saved up from their chores.
  26.  
  27. They'd started off being able to purchase a small cottage house at sixteen, and then thanks to Futaba's hard work at multiple jobs, had earned enough to upgrade to a larger house with more property.
  28.  
  29. By eighteen, the girls now lived on an orchard, one of the largest in Starlight Kingdom. The fruit sales drew in quite a nice income, and allowed them to live comfortably.
  30.  
  31. Well, perhaps one of them more so than the other.
  32.  
  33. While Futaba tended to the trees, plants, and flowers, as well as the cooking, cleaning, laundry and other chores about the house, Kaoruko seemed to take on few, if any, chores. She claimed it was mainly due to her poor health, and sometimes she really did fall ill or get hurt.
  34.  
  35. But most of the time it was just a fib to get out of doing the work. She spent most of her days lazing around inside reading, or wasting time in various other ways.
  36.  
  37. Futaba had always been the one to do all the work and take care of her, so Kaoruko was simply used to this lifestyle. Futaba never got sick or complained, so Kaoruko always assumed all was right with the world.
  38.  
  39. It was in the summer of their eighteenth year living as such that their peaceful lives were ruptured by a sharp, painful blow...
  40.  
  41. . . .
  42.  
  43. . . .
  44.  
  45. The morning is the same as every other she can remember. Futaba wakes to find Kaoruko nestled up against her, breathing softly. She can't help but grin at the sight of her sleeping face and messy, fluffy bed-hair.
  46.  
  47. Futaba had always thought she was like a princess, even if she was actually just another orphan like Futaba herself was. Kaoruko had always been so pretty, so haughty, so sharp and witty. But she was rather frail physically, which always made Futaba want to protect her.
  48.  
  49. What Futaba lacked in looks – at least in the eyes of the public – she made up for in brawn. She'd always entertained the idea of being a knight, though surely no orphan could ever train and join the royal guard. The princess of the kingdom already had her own two knights to watch over her anyway. And Futaba already had her own princess to tend to as well.
  50.  
  51. All she wanted was to be Kaoruko's knight, and that was more than enough for her.
  52.  
  53. As Kaoruko sleeps in this morning as always, Futaba runs a hand through her soft, thick hair. Futaba is always the one to wake up first and get to the morning chores, but her first one starts while she's still here in bed. She checks Kaoruko's breathing and temperature to ensure she isn't sick.
  54.  
  55. The few times Kaoruko has fallen ill in the past, she'd been ten times more of a pain to take care of than she normally is.
  56.  
  57. But Futaba hadn't minded any of that. What had troubled her the most was the thought that Kaoruko might never get better, might never stop coughing or shivering or sleeping...
  58.  
  59. She'd always gotten better, thank goodness, but Futaba's main priority is to prevent her from getting sick again.
  60.  
  61. Every time it happens, no matter how minor it may be, it always kills Futaba to look at her, weaker than she naturally is. She can remember every little cold Kaoruko's ever had, every cough and every stomachache.
  62.  
  63. There had only ever been a handful of really bad cases, most of which had occurred when they two of them had still been back at the orphanage, where there had been adults to help take care of her.
  64.  
  65. But the first time Kaoruko had gotten sick - really sick - after the two of them had started living on their own, had been the worst days of Futaba's life. She still remembers it with terrifying clarity, how Kaoruko had fallen so sick she had thrown up just about every meal she'd managed to eat, how she'd be up all night writhing and crying in pain, how she'd cough so hard she'd lose her voice, or blow her nose so much it would start to bleed.
  66.  
  67. Futaba had always been strong physically, but watching her best friend suffer like that had taken all of her strength to endure.
  68.  
  69. She doesn't like to remember it or think about it, but she'd probably nearly lost Kaoruko that time. The only thing that had saved her had been expensive medicine that had cost almost an entire month's budget to purchase, and ever since then Kaoruko has been a bit less inclined to move around much.
  70.  
  71. Futaba could never blame her, or at least she didn't ever want to.
  72.  
  73. But sometimes she got frustrated handling all the work herself. She'd find herself wishing Kaoruko would help her out sometimes, that she'd just push through the physical difficulties a bit and endure it.
  74.  
  75. But then she'd always remember how Kaoruko had looked lying there in bed, pale and thin and crying, gripped by a greater pain than Futaba could ever imagine. She never wants to see her like that again. Never.
  76.  
  77. The image flashes through her mind again now, but she pushes it away. As she rests her forehead against Kaoruko's, Futaba can tell her skin is slightly warmer than it should be, and her breathing is faintly labored.
  78.  
  79. The summer months have been getting hotter, and Kaoruko has always been delicate to the extremes. That was one of the main reasons why Futaba did all the dirty work on their orchard, especially at this time of year. Kaoruko had collapsed once just from going for a walk on a hot day. Yard and field work would probably see her bedridden for a week.
  80.  
  81. Already worried for her now, Futaba pulls the heaviest blanket off of her charge and gently rolls Kaoruko onto her back. She rests her head lightly onto Kaoruko's chest to asses her pulse. It's rhythm slow and heavy with sleep, but even then she can tell it's a little off.
  82.  
  83. Futaba sits back up and curses worriedly under her breath. If Kaoruko is sick, that could mean an entire day of work and production lost taking care of her. She'll gladly do it, too, but it'll probably hurt them financially for a few days.
  84.  
  85. Futaba sits in bed quietly for another moment, listening to Kaoruko's breathing. There's a bit of a wheeze to it, and when she touches her again, her skin is still warm. A soft moan comes from the back of Kaoruko's throat as her brow furrows, eyelids fluttering. Futaba smiles gently as she wakes.
  86.  
  87. "Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you."
  88.  
  89. Kaoruko seems like she tries to say something, but the words get lost on a breathless exhale. She shakes her head and tries again.
  90.  
  91. "Good morning, Futaba-han..."
  92.  
  93. She already sounds sick. Futaba grimaces.
  94.  
  95. "Do you feel okay? Too hot?"
  96.  
  97. Kaoruko tiredly lifts one of her hands, and Futaba readily holds it. Kaoruko closes her eyes.
  98.  
  99. "I'm still rather tired," she murmurs. "Perhaps you could... stay with me a while, Futaba-han...?"
  100.  
  101. Futaba's eyes soften.
  102.  
  103. "Sure thing."
  104.  
  105. The orchard could wait an hour.
  106.  
  107. She shifts a little, pulling her legs up and kneeling on the bed. She carefully pulls Kaoruko's head and shoulders into her lap, petting through her bangs with feather-light touch. They'd always taken this position as kids out in the fields of the orphanage. Futaba knows it makes Kaoruko feel relaxed and safe.
  108.  
  109. To her relief, after just a moment of carding through her hair, Kaoruko is already asleep again.
  110.  
  111. Futaba leans down and kisses her warm forehead. She rests her free hand on Kaoruko's collar to feel her breath and her pulse. It's barely anything, but both are still just slightly off. Futaba can tell. She's been sleeping next to Kaoruko her entire life. She knows exactly how her breathing and her heart sound when she's healthy, and can discern even the tiniest discrepancy.
  112.  
  113. She rubs her palm in slow circles over Kaoruko's chest, gradually working her way down to her stomach. She hopes the removal of the blankets is enough to cool her off in time before any actual sickness can settle in.
  114.  
  115. Futaba stays with her a while longer this morning, until she feels Kaoruko's breathing has evened out a bit. She gingerly slips free from beneath her and lies Kaoruko's head back onto the pillow. Futaba quietly hurries out of the room and down the stairs to fetch a glass of cold water. She returns to the bedroom and leaves the glass on the nightstand for Kaoruko in case she wakes up parched. She then crosses the room to crack open the window to let in some fresh summer air and sun.
  116.  
  117. Futaba turns back and watches over her for a moment longer, satisfied that she seems to be more or less back to normal.
  118.  
  119. Then, to her surprise, Kaoruko rolls over and peeks one eye open lazily.
  120.  
  121. "Futaba-han... I can feel how worried you are from here. I'm fine, so just go. I want to sleep some more..."
  122.  
  123. Futaba almost laughs in spite of herself.
  124.  
  125. "Of course you do. All right then, I'll try to stop worrying. But no promises." She walks back over and reaches out to ruffle Kaoruko's hair gently. Kaoruko huffs and closes her eyes again.
  126.  
  127. With her concern ebbing away, Futaba leaves a kiss on Kaoruko's forehead before getting ready to start the day. She dresses in a flannel work shirt, along with pants and a skirt, then pulls her boots on over her socks.
  128.  
  129. She heads back to the window to look out over their property full of fruit trees, ranging from lemons to apples. There's also a vegetable garden that's producing plenty of carrots and tomatoes right now. It's a lot of land to maintain and care for, and a lot of crops to plant, water, protect, and harvest.
  130.  
  131. Futaba loves it all. After all, it's her own business she'd built from the ground up - literally.
  132.  
  133. But there's one more thing she's been wanting to work on.
  134.  
  135. She'd always wanted a regular garden – a flower garden. In spite of her appearance, she does still enjoy flowers, as many people in town find difficult to believe.
  136.  
  137. But she'd just never gotten the time to start on her little personal project. Between looking after Kaoruko, tending to the orchard and gardens, and selling their produce at the market, she had her hands full on a daily and nightly basis.
  138.  
  139. Maybe one day she'd get to grow a flower garden too. But for now she has to stick to what she's got.
  140.  
  141. She leaves Kaoruko to sleep in as always and heads downstairs to start on breakfast. She uses ingredients fresh from their property, as well as a few meats and spices she'd bought from town on her last trip. Her cooking skills are as superb as her gardening skills, and she's proud to know she's always serving Kaoruko the best quality foods.
  142.  
  143. Just as she's adding some finishing touches to this morning's dish, a knock comes at the door.
  144.  
  145. "Coming!" Futaba rushes to answer it. A familiar delivery boy stands there with a smile.
  146.  
  147. "Good morning, Miss Isurugi! Here are your orders from the market."
  148.  
  149. "Got it, thanks!" She accepts a slip of paper from him and closes the door. She looks the slip over, expecting the usual demands of roughly ten pounds per fruit and vegetable. But it appears her business partners wish to demand fifteen pounds now; for an increased profit on Futaba's end, of course.
  150.  
  151. Futaba whistles, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of a bit more money; they have enough plants and trees to fulfill fifteen pounds apiece. It was just a matter of gathering it all in time for shipment, but the profit margin was well worth it.
  152.  
  153. Excitedly, she rushes to the stairs and calls up for her partner.
  154.  
  155. "Oy, Kaoruko! Wake up! I've got some big news!"
  156.  
  157. Kaoruko typically wakes up on her own time, but this morning she's been in and out of consciousness for a couple of hours. Now, she's awakened fully by the sound of a voice calling for her.
  158.  
  159. She opens her eyes to find the same cold, empty bed; just once she wishes she could wake up with Futaba still next to her. She doesn't count earlier this morning, because the two of them hadn't gotten out of bed together, and Kaoruko hadn't exactly been feeling the greatest.
  160.  
  161. Part of Kaoruko wishes she could just get up out of bed every morning naturally like Futaba does. But still, the other part loves sleeping far too much, even when she isn't feeling sick.
  162.  
  163. Groggily, she pushes herself up. Futaba's tone hadn't sounded urgent or worried, so Kaoruko takes her time putting on her dress and brushing her hair. She doesn't even bother making the bed; Futaba always comes back up to do it later.
  164.  
  165. She takes her time in getting ready, and finally comes downstairs about ten minutes later. Futaba is just serving breakfast and grins at the sight of her.
  166.  
  167. "Morning! Feeling better?"
  168.  
  169. Kaoruko yawns and takes her seat.
  170.  
  171. "I suppose so. Now what is it you needed to wake me for, Futaba-han?"
  172.  
  173. "This!" Futaba excitedly waves the paper in front of her.
  174.  
  175. Kaoruko flinches and squints her eyes, tilting her head.
  176.  
  177. "The market's supply and demand list? What of it?"
  178.  
  179. Futaba shovels a mouthful of food onto her tongue as she elaborates.
  180.  
  181. "They wanna increase our demand!" she exclaims. "We're gonna make even more money! Enough to keep us going through the winter until the crops come back!"
  182.  
  183. Kaoruko blinks, then daintily cuts into her food and chews slowly.
  184.  
  185. "That does sound rather nice. But Futaba-han, please don't talk with your mouth full."
  186.  
  187. "Crap, sorry." She wipes her mouth on her sleeve instead of her napkin and wolfs down the rest of her food quickly. "I'm gonna get to work right away. Fifteen pounds is a lot to get ready by noon tomorrow, and I gotta weed out the spoiled ones." She heads for the door, but pauses to look back. Hesitantly, she makes a request. "Say, uh, Kaoruko...? Think you could gimme a hand with all this? I wanna make sure it gets done on time. It wouldn't be much, just picking a few things and droppin' 'em into the boxes."
  188.  
  189. She rarely ever asks Kaoruko for help, and when she does it's only when she really needs it. She hates to do it now when it's so hot out and Kaoruko is at a greater risk of heatstroke, but she doesn't think asking her to pick a few pears is that strenuous.
  190.  
  191. Kaoruko hums and ponders the question as she swallows her food.
  192.  
  193. "I would love to, Futaba-han. But I'm actually working on a bit of a personal project at the moment."
  194.  
  195. Futaba blinks.
  196.  
  197. "'Personal project?' What the heck is that?"
  198.  
  199. "Oh, you shall find out in due time."
  200.  
  201. Futaba heaves a sigh.
  202.  
  203. "Right, sorry. I forgot how 'busy' you are." She doesn't fully realize or even mean it, but a bit of an edge creeps into her tone. She sighs again and opens the door. "Well, all right then. If you need me, I'll be working."
  204.  
  205. With this, she steps outside and closes the door behind herself. She can only assume Kaoruko's personal project involves staying inside and napping or something like that. But that's the way it's always been, and she knows it's too late to change it.
  206.  
  207. Futaba heads to a small shed where she keep stacks upon stacks of boxes. She's to fill them with the appropriate amount and weight of each product, then meet the deliveryman on the designated day at the designated time. He comes by horse and carriage to pick up the boxes to bring them to the market, and in turn gives Futaba her payment.
  208.  
  209. Tomorrow will be the first time she'll be receiving more money than ever before. She imagines all the seeds she could buy, not just for the business but for her dream of a garden as well.
  210.  
  211. With these thoughts fueling her, she grabs two empty boxes and carries them into the vegetable garden, then sets to work.
  212.  
  213. She picks the usual amount of tomatoes, which she knows to be ten pounds, then brings the box to the scale beside the house to check. She continues filling it until it's an even fifteen. She hoists the box of tomatoes into the shed and covers it to keep them safe overnight, then heads out to do the carrots.
  214.  
  215. As she goes about picking the ripe foods, she also plucks off and tosses away the spoiled ones. She'd learned very early on that Starlight Kingdom's people were highly superstitious and wary of things that could possibly be cursed, such as spoiled foods. She can't blame them though; after all, their own princess had been cursed to fall into an eternal slumber if she should ever bleed, which is why no one has ever even properly seen her.
  216.  
  217. There are also tales of spoiled and poisoned foods being cursed by the same witch or spirit who had cursed the princess in an effort to spread more misery and fear across the land. Evidently, the cursed foods would turn purple or black, and whomever was foolish or unlucky enough to eat them would then suffer a curse of their own. Some rumors said you could get turned into an animal. Some said your skin would turn green and your hair would fall out. Others said you'd die a tragic death, and so on.
  218.  
  219. In one of Futaba's first ever shipments to the market, she'd sent a bruised pear in the bunch and been accused of trying to poison someone intentionally. She'd been forced to refund her profits that week, and had never made such a mistake again.
  220.  
  221. She'd also been certain never to use such spoiled fruits in her cooking, nor serve them to Kaoruko. She tends to taste every dish and meal herself first to ensure everything is all right. She believes she'd have a fighting chance against a curse, but Kaoruko is a different story.
  222.  
  223. So presently, she inspects every carrot and potato she pulls up, every bean and pepper she picks. Luckily, there are only a couple of each she has to throw into the forest, and she still manages to fill the fifteen-pound boxes and keep some extras on the vines.
  224.  
  225. She also makes note of where she'll need to re-soil an area, which vines or leaves she can cut, and what needs the most watering. These are all tasks she'll have to do after the delivery tomorrow to ensure she can send out an even better shipment next week.
  226.  
  227. By the time she finishes with the vegetables, she's worked up a fine sweat. She staggers over to the well to draw up a cup of water, drinking half and pouring the rest over her head. It's then she notices the time on the sundial.
  228.  
  229. "No way! It's noon already?"
  230.  
  231. Normally, she'd have several of the fruits picked and packed by now as well. The increased demand had really slowed her down. But her stomach is growling now, and she knows she needs to take a break for lunch.
  232.  
  233. Sighing, she dusts herself off as best she can and heads back inside.
  234.  
  235. She first goes upstairs to make the bed and tidy up the room, gathering all of Kaoruko's dirty laundry to bring down. With her arms full of clothes, Futaba heads back outside to rinse everything in the bucket, scrubbing each article down with a soapy brush before hanging them on the clothesline to dry. That takes another half hour, and her stomach growls again.
  236.  
  237. When she goes back inside she passes the study, which is where she finds Kaoruko, curled up cozily on the couch with a book in her lap and a carefree smile on her lips. There's a stack of books on the table beside her.
  238.  
  239. "So," Futaba grunts. "I take it this is the 'personal project' you told me about?"
  240.  
  241. Kaoruko looks up casually.
  242.  
  243. "Why yes, as a matter of fact it is related. Is it time for lunch yet?"
  244.  
  245. Futaba heaves another sigh.
  246.  
  247. "Yeah. Gimme a minute."
  248.  
  249. "Do take all the time you need."
  250.  
  251. Kaoruko isn't trying to be all high-and-mighty; it's just the way she talks. And Futaba knows that, but she's been a little peeved at her this morning for some reason, so it just feels like another pinprick in her back right now.
  252.  
  253. So Futaba heads into the kitchen and washes up a bit before she begins slaving away over a hot stove instead of under the hot sun. She thinks she hears the back door close at one point, but when she turns around she sees no one there.
  254.  
  255. "Kaoruko?" She calls out, but there's no response. "Too caught up in her book, I guess."
  256.  
  257. By the time lunch is ready, Futaba is starving. She puts both bowls of soup and plates of sandwiches onto the table and calls out again.
  258.  
  259. "Kaoruko! Lunch!"
  260.  
  261. She sits down to begin eating, but doesn't take her first bite. There's still no movement from the study. Futaba growls and pushes herself back up, then stomps her way over.
  262.  
  263. "Oy, Kaoruko! If you're so engrossed in that damn book, then-"
  264.  
  265. But to her surprise, the study is empty. The book Kaoruko had been reading is now closed at the top of the pile. Futaba steps back, confused and annoyed.
  266.  
  267. "That Kaoruko. Where the hell did she run off to this time...?"
  268.  
  269. She's noticed recently that Kaoruko has been disappearing at odd times, either at lunch or around suppertime. It's never for too long, and she always comes back before Futaba can worry too much. But she usually comes back with dirt on her dress or leaves in her hair, saying she'd gone for a walk and tripped. She says she's trying to condition herself and get stronger, but Futaba has never fully believed her, for some reason.
  270.  
  271. Recently, Futaba's just been letting her take her time and come back on her own. But she's already irked today, and now Kaoruko pulling her vanishing act is only ticking her off more.
  272.  
  273. Futaba storms over to the door and throws it open, preparing to shout for her just as Kaoruko is trying to come back in.
  274.  
  275. "Oh!"
  276.  
  277. "K-Kaoruko?!" Futaba bowls right into her and knocks her backward. Kaoruko yelps as she loses her balance, but Futaba reacts quickly enough to grab her and pull her back up. Kaoruko lets out a breath and smiles.
  278.  
  279. "Your reflexes are quick as ever, Futaba-han."
  280.  
  281. Futaba snorts and lets her go.
  282.  
  283. "Where the hell did you go this time? Out for another walk? In this heat?" She observes the grass stains on Kaoruko's dress and the burs in her hair.
  284.  
  285. "Correct!" Kaoruko beams. "I had a bit of a stumble, but that's all."
  286.  
  287. Futaba narrows her eyes. Usually she'd check and see if Kaoruko was all right and would patch up any cuts or bruises she'd sustained. But today, Futaba is just too heated to be concerned.
  288.  
  289. "So you have time to read all day and go for walks, and get all dirty so I have more laundry to do, but you can't help me pick a few apples?" More venom leaks into her voice than she'd intended, and Kaoruko visibly flinches.
  290.  
  291. "Futaba-han, I told you, I'm-"
  292.  
  293. "Yeah, yeah, a 'project; huh? Whatever, Kaoruko. Just eat you lunch and get back to your daydreams. I've got work to do."
  294.  
  295. Futaba grabs her bowl of soup from the table and drinks it all in one go, then grabs her sandwich and takes it with her outside to eat alone, slamming the door behind her.
  296.  
  297. She's already mentally making another list of things she'll need to get done today as she grabs an empty box and heads for the orchards.
  298.  
  299. She fills a box of pears, a box of oranges, and a box of lemons, tossing out a handful of each that had spoiled. She lugs each box back to the scale to weigh it, makes any necessary adjustments, and then brings them to the shed to cover them.
  300.  
  301. It takes her all afternoon to do that much, and by the time she gets to the apple orchard the sun has begun to set.
  302.  
  303. "Damn. I've gotta get started on dinner soon... and there's still the laundry and a bath... I didn't even dust today..." She shakes her head and gets to work on the apples while there's still sunlight to see them by. She eats one as she works - one that isn't the best nor the worst of the batch - and saves all the good ones for selling.
  304.  
  305. But she's only picked about the usual ten pounds' worth by the time the sun has gone down. She curses and hurries back to the house.
  306.  
  307. "Kaoruko!" She checks the kitchen and the study to no avail. Teeth grit, she storms up the stairs. "That girl I swear..."
  308.  
  309. Futaba throws open the bedroom door to find Kaoruko already lying down. The girl jumps and gasps as she sits up, clearly startled.
  310.  
  311. "Futaba-han!"
  312.  
  313. Futaba glares at her.
  314.  
  315. "Oy, Kaoruko, seriously? You're in bed already? And you didn't even change out of your dirty clothes?"
  316.  
  317. "You see, I-"
  318.  
  319. "Whatever. Listen, I only need your help for maybe ten minutes. Just help me finish the apples. Even you can handle that much."
  320.  
  321. Futaba turns to begin heading back out, but Kaoruko calls after her thinly.
  322.  
  323. "Actually... Futaba-han... I'm not feeling the best right now..."
  324.  
  325. Futaba stops and turns back around to look her over again. Kaoruko's skin seems a bit paler than usual, she's shaking a little, and her voice is meek and stammering.
  326.  
  327. But in contrast, Futaba's is harsh and loud.
  328.  
  329. "Seriously, Kaoruko? After all I do for you, now you're feigning illness just to get out of helping me? You're unbelievable! Spoiled, is what you are! Spoiled rotten like a black apple!"
  330.  
  331. Kaoruko flinches again and curls her hands to her chest defensively.
  332.  
  333. "Futaba-han, please-"
  334.  
  335. "All your little lies about a secret project? Gimme a break! You're just so lazy you can't even help me out when we have a little extra work to do!"
  336.  
  337. "Futaba-han!" Kaoruko raises her voice in desperation and ends up coughing a little. "Please, be reasonable and listen to me. I'm not lying to you. B-Behind the apple orch-"
  338.  
  339. But Futaba cuts her off.
  340.  
  341. "No, you know what?" she yells, voice rising, anger mounting. "I'm done listening to you, Kaoruko. I'm done being your slave and doing everything for you without any thanks! Pretend to be sick so you don't have to do any work! Sleep in all day, for all I care! Just do whatever the hell you want! I hate you!"
  342.  
  343. Futaba slams the door and rushes back down the stairs and outside. She runs across the property and finishes up the apples on her own, yanking them off their branches and throwing them into the box. She hoists it all the way back to the shed and gets everything ready for pickup tomorrow. She pulls the clean laundry off the line and folds it half-heartedly.
  344.  
  345. When she comes back inside she leaves Kauroko's clothes at the bottom of the stairs and takes her own with her into the common room. Futaba bathes, her mind still seething all the while, her anger at Kaoruko hot and ugly. She changes into her sleepwear and sleeps on the couch in the common room, not even bothering to check back upstairs.
  346.  
  347. It's the first night she's ever slept away from Kaoruko.
  348.  
  349. And little does she know it will be the last.
  350.  
  351. Kaoruko jolts and whimpers as Futaba slams the bedroom door at her and storms out. Kaoruko tries to call after her, but her voice hitches in her throat, and she ends up in a coughing fit. It leaves her breathless and dizzy, and she's forced to lie down and get her bearings. Her head and heart are throbbing, causing a terrible ache all throughout her body.
  352.  
  353. And as if the illness itself isn't bad enough, now she's upset Futaba like never before.
  354.  
  355. They've had their squabbles in the past - plenty of them - but never as bad as this one. She'd seen the genuine anger in Futaba's eyes, heard it in her voice. And never before in all their lives has Futaba ever expressed anything as severe as hatred towards her.
  356.  
  357. Kaoruko feels a pang shoot through her chest as guilt claws at her heart.
  358.  
  359. "I supposed I deserve it..." she rasps. "Sneaking around behind her back... of course I would get sick... I just hope Futaba-han can forgive me... for all the trouble I've caused her..."
  360.  
  361. There's a stinging heat behind her eyes, and tears start to drip down across her nose and onto the pillow.
  362.  
  363. Kaoruko waits for a long time, ready to swallow her pride apologize for her selfishness for once. But Futaba never comes in to join her.
  364.  
  365. Kaoruko shivers and cries softly all through the night, and all the while her heart feels as though it's being slowly crushed by some massive stone.
  366.  
  367. . . .
  368.  
  369. When morning comes, she barely wakes. Her stomach is hollow and her body quivers from the sickness. She hadn't finished her project yet, but she supposes she'll have to reveal it a little early. She just wants to add a few finishing touches...
  370.  
  371. It takes all of her strength to push herself out of bed and limp down the stairs, one hand holding onto the wall and the other clutching the ache in her chest. She notices the laundry waiting for her at the bottom and feels another pang in her chest.
  372.  
  373. Looking up into the common room, she finds Futaba lying on the couch, still asleep. She's turned on her side with her back facing Kaoruko, and for some reason it really bothers her to not be able to see her face right now.
  374.  
  375. Kaoruko had never imagined the morning she finally wakes before Futaba would ever be like this.
  376.  
  377. She staggers to the door and fumbles to unlock it, then steps outside barefoot, shuddering in spite of the season.
  378.  
  379. The morning is gray and misty as she makes her way toward the orchards. She passes by the lemon trees and the pear trees, where some have only a handful of fruits left on them for the time being. Her head pounds harder than her heart, but she pushes onward to the apple orchard.
  380.  
  381. This is where she'd spent most of her time recently, making sure only to come out when Futaba was inside the house.
  382.  
  383. But Kaoruko suddenly finds she can't take another step. She leans heavily against the nearest apple tree, panting as sweat drips down her face. An awful war of heat and shivers grips her, and she can do nothing to fend them off. Her first instinct is to call for Futaba, but she can't bring herself to do that now. The guilt churning inside her is far stronger than her desire to get herself assistance.
  384.  
  385. With shaking fingers, she reaches up through the thin leaves to pluck an apple. It's darker than the others, almost purple, but her hunger is so great she pays the fruit no mind.
  386.  
  387. She bites into it as hard as her shaking teeth can manage, letting the stinging flavors rush into her body.
  388.  
  389. But one bite is all she can manage.
  390.  
  391. Suddenly, her whole body begins to shudder from the inside out. Her blood seems to ice over, cold and hard, though there is still a stifling heat wafting off her skin.
  392.  
  393. Kaoruko chokes as she drops to her knees, but she doesn't have the breath nor the strength to try and cough up the fruit she'd swallowed. Her body trembles uncontrollably, in a way she's never felt before in all her sicknesses, and her vision blurs just before it blackens.
  394.  
  395. The last thoughts in her mind are of the last words Futaba said to her:
  396.  
  397. "I hate you!"
  398.  
  399. And Kaoruko wilts into the soil, the last of her tears seeping into the earth, and Futaba's name hanging from her lips.
  400.  
  401. Futaba wakes to what sounds like the door closing.
  402.  
  403. It takes her a few minutes to rouse herself and get her bearings. She quickly remembers that she isn't in bed beside Kaoruko this time. It feels strange waking up without her. Futaba is admittedly a little chilly.
  404.  
  405. The heat of her anger from last night has faded with sleep, and now only guilt lingers in its place. She heaves a sigh and gets dressed for the day, then quietly makes her way upstairs to apologize.
  406.  
  407. "It's not her fault she's spoiled," Futaba mumbles to herself. "If anything, it's my fault for spoiling her and not letting her try to be independent. It's because I don't wanna lose her or let her go. I've kinda made her be dependent on me..." When she thinks about it like that, it almost feels manipulative, even though that had never been her intention in any way.
  408.  
  409. Starting today, Futaba wants to help Kaoruko learn the ropes of chores and taking care of herself at her own pace.
  410.  
  411. But first she needs to apologize. If for nothing else, then for saying she hated her. She never should've let her anger consume her that badly, to such a horrible degree.
  412.  
  413. Futaba reaches the bedroom and knocks softly, then calls out even more softly.
  414.  
  415. "Kaoruko...?" It's nothing like the shouting and door-slamming from last night. Her voice is tentative and gentle. "Are you awake? I know I'm probably the last person you wanna talk to right now, but I just-"
  416.  
  417. As she pushes her way through, Futaba halts at the sight of the empty bed. Never before in all her life had she woken to find Kaoruko already gone.
  418.  
  419. The sheets are ruffled, but other than that, there are no signs of anything being disturbed. Futaba feels a slight tightness in her chest as she scours the room.
  420.  
  421. "Kaoruko? You here?"
  422.  
  423. No response. She whirls around and hurries back downstairs, noting the untouched laundry she'd left for her.
  424.  
  425. "Kaoruko!"
  426.  
  427. The call becomes a shout now as she checks the study, only to find the stack of books and nothing more. Futaba approaches the table where they're piled and picks up the top tome. It's a book about flowers and plants. The one beneath it is much the same, as is the one beneath that. Futaba shakes her head, puzzled.
  428.  
  429. "What was she doing reading these? But more importantly, where the hell is she-?" Futaba leaves everything as it was and hurries out into the main room again, calling for her repeatedly. "Oy, Kaoruko! Answer me!"
  430.  
  431. But the house replies with only an eerie silence. Futaba feels her throat closing up. She whips around and races to the doors, then bursts outside.
  432.  
  433. "Kaoruko-!"
  434.  
  435. The gardens and orchards are silent in the misty, wet morning. Futaba's mind is buzzing like a hive, each thought stinging her. Could Kaoruko have run away? If she had, Futaba can't blame her. But what if she'd been kidnapped, or something had happened to her?
  436.  
  437. Futaba can't rest assured until she knows for certain Kaoruko's absence was her own choice. Until she finds her or gets confirmation on it, she'll never stop worrying.
  438.  
  439. So she runs through the gardens and around the house, calling for her over and over again.
  440.  
  441. But the silence calls back every time. It begins to drizzle softly, and Futaba stops to catch her breath.
  442.  
  443. "Where the hell did she go? What happened...?"
  444.  
  445. The thought that she could've run away because Futaba's words had hurt her that badly makes her sick. Kaoruko would never be able to survive on her own, and Futaba knows that's partially her own fault for letting her become so dependent.
  446.  
  447. With the rain coming on, it's getting cold, and she can only hope Kaoruko has found good shelter, that she hasn't collapsed or gotten hurt somehow.
  448.  
  449. She makes up her mind that she'll go into town and ask around if anyone had seen her childhood friend.
  450.  
  451. So Futaba dashes back across the property and toward the cobblestone road that leads into town. She passes the shed where her boxes of foods are ready to be picked up. That's what makes her pause.
  452.  
  453. The food... Didn't Kaoruko try to tell me something yesterday...? 'Behind' something... Behind...-
  454.  
  455. Futaba gasps.
  456.  
  457. "'Behind the apple orchard-!'"
  458.  
  459. She whirls back around and hurries as quickly as she can, her boots pounding over the soil. She passes by the lemon trees and then the pears, swerving from her usual route and making a wider arc now to put herself outside of the trees of the apple orchard. She glances from side to side as she runs. She doesn't see anything noteworthy, but she doesn't stop.
  460.  
  461. "Kaoruko! Are you here?"
  462.  
  463. The mist is thicker here, and the air is heavy with moisture. She struggles to see through the thin fog, and still there's no answer.
  464.  
  465. She searches as best she can for any signs of her partner, for anything that might be linked to what Kaoruko had been trying to tell her. She searches until there's a wetness on her face, but it isn't from the mist.
  466.  
  467. "Kaoruko... Oy!"
  468.  
  469. She comes to a halt, head bowed in defeat. What if she's gone forever, all because Futaba had had a bad temper last night? She wipes her arms across her eyes and sniffles, shaking her head.
  470.  
  471. That's when she spots something unusual.
  472.  
  473. She isn't really sure what it is, especially in all this fog, but it's almost like a part of the orchard is different from the rest. The shadows on the ground there look... strange.
  474.  
  475. Bushes block her view, so Futaba has to draw closer, peering past the apple trees and a few bushels of wild plants. When she finally emerges on the other side, her jaw goes slack.
  476.  
  477. Colors. So many beautiful colors spread out at her boots.
  478.  
  479. Flowers of all different kinds, planted as neatly as inexperienced hands could manage. Wildflowers, seeds bought secretly from the marketplace, and anything else she could find, all growing together in a haphazard harmony. Tiny white dewdrop flowers, yellow lilies, purple snapdragons, red tulips, roses, dandelions...
  480.  
  481. And suddenly it all comes together.
  482.  
  483. Kaoruko's sneaking off and always coming back covered in dirt, the books she'd been reading, her secret project...
  484.  
  485. Futaba drops to her knees as tears spill down her cheeks. With shaking fingers, she reaches out to touch a few of the delicate petals. Kaoruko's message to her is loud and clear:
  486.  
  487. 'Thank you for all you've done for me.'
  488.  
  489. Futaba chokes on a sob as she pushes herself back up, staggering, but refusing to waste anymore time. She needs to find her. No matter what.
  490.  
  491. She starts to run again, straight through the orchard.
  492.  
  493. But in the end, she doesn't need to go far.
  494.  
  495. Her boot kicks something that rolls, and when she stops Futaba glances down to see a horribly-rotten apple, the skin a sickening blackish-purple.
  496.  
  497. A single bite is missing.
  498.  
  499. "No..."
  500.  
  501. She whirls around, terrified of what she might find, praying she won't find it.
  502.  
  503. "No-"
  504.  
  505. And then a glimpse of fabric, of the same dirty dress she'd been wearing yesterday, and had been too sick and tired to change out of last night. Futaba screams.
  506.  
  507. "No-! Kaoruko!"
  508.  
  509. She lies perfectly still in the mud, her pale skin stained with brown, her hair unkempt and wet, eyes closed, and lips parted in the smallest cry of pain.
  510.  
  511. She looks just like she had that day in bed, after her worst illness, the one that had nearly claimed her life. Only now, she's even smaller, even paler - ashen.
  512.  
  513. "No-!" Futaba screams again and drops down beside her, gathering Kaoruko into her arms. Tears and rain are smeared across her cheeks, her limp, wet bangs clinging to her colorless skin. Pressing an ear to her chest, she listens for a pulse – anything, even a tremble.
  514.  
  515. But there's nothing. Nothing but the steady hiss of the rain around her.
  516.  
  517. "No... No! Kaoruko, please-!" Futaba pulls her in, covering her with her own body. All their lives, she'd protected her from everything; from annoying boys and bad men, from tricks and from scams, from bitter cold and sweltering heat, from sharp blades and hurtful lies.
  518.  
  519. But in the end, Futaba had been the one to do this to her, to drive her to this point.
  520.  
  521. She cries harder than ever before, harder than she ever knew she could. Kaoruko is motionless in her arms, cold and frail and blameless.
  522.  
  523. "Kaoruko..." Futaba whispers her name in a begging plea, thick with desperation and guilt. "I'm sorry... it's my fault... it's all my fault..." She eases back, cradling the girl's face gently, wiping the dirt and water from her cheek. She combs shaking fingers through the thick, messy hair, as tears drip from Futaba's eyes onto the backs of hers. Futaba feels a hollow, aching pain like none she's ever known or heard of. It grips her tightly, cruelly, and doesn't let go.
  524.  
  525. "I... I'm sorry... Kaoruko... I shouldn't have said those things... I didn't mean... any of it..." She brushes the bangs and mud away from her forehead, cradling her close. Futaba bows her head against hers gently, letting their foreheads touch. "I don't hate you. In fact... I..."
  526.  
  527. She bites her lip and swallows back another sob. Softly, she bumps her mouth against Kaoruko's in a fragile little kiss. As if something might come of it.
  528.  
  529. But as she rests her hand over Kaoruko's heart, she feels nothing.
  530.  
  531. Futaba sobs as everything she's ever worked for, everything she's ever lived for, and everything she's ever loved slips right from her fingers.
  532.  
  533. The rain falls thin and cold, draining the warmth from Kaoruko's body. Futaba covers her as much as she can, shielding her from it all, though her tears end up soaking through Kaoruko's clothes, much heavier and more bitter than any raindrops.
  534.  
  535. "I'm sorry-" she whispers again. "I love you, Kaoruko..."
  536.  
  537. She brings her close and sobs into her chest.
  538.  
  539. If only Futaba hadn't been so rash.
  540.  
  541. If only she'd believed her when she'd said she was sick.
  542.  
  543. If only she'd get to hear Kaoruko's voice again.
  544.  
  545. If only she'd get to kiss her when she could feel it.
  546.  
  547. If only she'd get to feel those gentle fingers through her hair one last time, curling and combing down to the nape of her neck where they'd then pause to trace tiny circles, as if clinging to her, pulling her closer.
  548.  
  549. It's almost as if she can actually feel them now - small, tentative motions caressing the back of her head...
  550.  
  551. Futaba's eyes fly open just as a gasp sputters up from Kaoruko's chest beneath her. She coughs, jolting upright in Futaba's arms and grabbing onto her shoulders for support. Futaba shrieks.
  552.  
  553. "Kaoruko-!"
  554.  
  555. Kaoruko struggles for breath, her legs curling in against the mud as her fingers clutch Futaba's shirt. Futaba holds her up as best she can, desperately shaking her head to clear the tears away, the disbelief still stunning her. But the sounds of Kaoruko's struggling breaths snap her right out of it.
  556.  
  557. "Kaoruko! Oy, Kaoruko!" Futaba gives her back a couple of firm pats, rubbing her hands all up and down her shoulders and across her collar to keep her warm.
  558.  
  559. Kaoruko heaves a few more gasps before falling quiet and resting more calmly in her arms. Dark eyelashes kiss the pale skin of her cheeks before fluttering open, revealing quivering pools of summer-like hazel. There's a glaze over them at first, but as she gets her bearings it clears just like the mist around them does. A ray of sunlight breaks through and bathes the two girls in warmth, just as Kaoruko finds her breath.
  560.  
  561. "Futaba...han..."
  562.  
  563. "Oh, thank the gods-" Futaba throws herself over Kaoruko and pulls her up into a tight hug, but only for a second before she has to pull back to confirm her eyes are actually open, that this is actually real. "Kaoruko...?"
  564.  
  565. The mist fades, and the light grows stronger. Kaoruko shivers in her arms, but a faint smile curls her lips.
  566.  
  567. "I've got... an awfully bitter taste in my mouth."
  568.  
  569. Futaba wipes her eyes, looking back at the spoiled apple, then back down to her best friend.
  570.  
  571. "I think I can help with that."
  572.  
  573. She leans down once more and kisses her, a little tiny bit harder this time, just to ensure everything she wants to convey gets across.
  574.  
  575. And in spite of her condition, Kaoruko kisses back a little harder too, until it leaves them both gratefully breathless.
  576.  
  577. Futaba eases back, thumbing through the girl's bangs with a ginger touch. Her lips wobble, and her eyes waver again.
  578.  
  579. "Kaoruko... I-... I'm so sorry. I never should have-"
  580.  
  581. "Oh, hush." Kaoruko lifts one finger and presses it over Futaba's lips. "I'm the one who should be apologizing and we both know it, Futaba-han. After everything you've ever done for me-"
  582.  
  583. "That's not true!" Futaba shakes her head. "You don't need to apologize for anything! It's because I-"
  584.  
  585. "Enough, then," Kaoruko says softly. "Enough apologies. I'm already tired of it."
  586.  
  587. "Kaoruko, you-"
  588.  
  589. But Kaoruko pushes her finger to Futaba's lips once more.
  590.  
  591. "I-" she begins. "Feel like a mushroom, all wet and muddy. I'd very much like to draw myself a bath."
  592.  
  593. And it isn't much, but it's enough for Futaba to notice.
  594.  
  595. Not 'have you draw me a bath,' but draw one herself.
  596.  
  597. She blinks, and one last tears falls. Kaoruko smiles up at her, her eyes sparkling like swirls of honey under warm sunlight.
  598.  
  599. And suddenly Futaba understands that all is right between them. They both understand their own wrongdoings, and they understand each other's feelings. Everything is out in the open now, and neither of them is ashamed for anything they feel towards the other.
  600.  
  601. It's a form of blessing in and of itself, to suddenly just know everything somehow worked out all right. She supposes it comes with the territory when you've spent your entire life with someone.
  602.  
  603. Futaba dips forward and rests her forehead against hers again, nuzzling her nose to Kaoruko's. Kaoruko wraps both of her arms around Futaba's shoulders to keep her near for a moment longer.
  604.  
  605. "Thank you, Futaba-han. For everything. I promise from now on I will help you with all that I can. After all, this is my life, too. It's our life, together."
  606.  
  607. Futaba leaves a kiss behind on her cheek.
  608.  
  609. "Thanks, Kaoruko..." She brushes her lips over Kaoruko's again and kisses her there one more time before easing away. "Let's get you back inside. I'll wash your hair for you."
  610.  
  611. "Futaba-han, you don't have to-"
  612.  
  613. "I know," she grins. "But I want to."
  614.  
  615. Kaoruko's uncertainty eventually turns into a smile as well.
  616.  
  617. Carefully, Futaba gathers Kaoruko into her arms and lifts her up out of the mud. Kaoruko holds onto her shoulders and curls in beneath her chin. Futaba can still feel that she's shivering quite a bit and squeezes her a little tighter. She doesn't want to keep her out here longer than she has to, but she does bring her back behind the apple trees, just for a moment.
  618.  
  619. The secret garden of wildflowers is now vibrant under the sunlight, all varieties swaying in the breeze. A beautiful mixture of scents rises up to fill the air like a healing spell.
  620.  
  621. Futaba feels Kaoruko fidget in her arms as she rests her head against her shoulder.
  622.  
  623. "So... do you like it...?"
  624.  
  625. Futaba's response is to kiss her again.
  626.  
  627. "I love it, Kaoruko. It's more beautiful than I'd ever imagined. Thank you."
  628.  
  629. Futaba carries her all the way back to the house, where she lies Kaoruko on the couch and draws the bath for her in spite of Kaoruko's protests.
  630.  
  631. "Futaba-han, we just talked about this! I'll can do it myself..."
  632.  
  633. "Lemme think about it... No," Futaba calls from the bathroom. "Maybe next time when you haven't nearly just fallen into an eternal sleep, you can draw your own bath."
  634.  
  635. Kaoruko mutters something back and pouts. Futaba retrieves her and carries her into the bathroom, helping her out of her dirty clothes.
  636.  
  637. As soon as Kaoruko is submerged, she lets all her shivers out and eases into the warm water. Futaba washes her hair and cleans her back for her as always, gentle and loving. She does things as she's always done since they'd been little, shuddering to imagine that she may have never gotten to do this again if she'd lost Kaoruko today.
  638.  
  639. When she's finished, she leans forward slowly and wraps her arms around Kaoruko from behind. Kaoruko sighs and leans back against her chest in turn. Futaba can feel her heartbeat, slow and steady. She'd missed it last night, cold and bitter curled up on the couch all alone, unable to fall asleep for hours due to her frustrations. And she'd known Kaoruko must've been cold and crying all by herself too, not fully understanding why Futaba had lashed out at her so harshly.
  640.  
  641. Futaba sighs and presses a small kiss to Kaoruko's shoulder in silent apology.
  642.  
  643. Kaoruko is still for a while, until Futaba feels the tiniest shudder run through her. When she peers over Kaoruko's shoulder, she can see tear drops falling into the water.
  644.  
  645. "Kaoruko..." Futaba pulls her closer, reaching up to wipe the tears. Kaoruko sniffles.
  646.  
  647. "I'm sorry, Futaba-han... I truly am sorry..."
  648.  
  649. "I thought you said no more apologies," Futaba murmurs, resting her chin on her shoulder. "I know you are. And you don't have to be. Honestly." Futaba kisses her cheek again. "I love you, Kaoruko."
  650.  
  651. Kaoruko hiccups a shaky breath and nods.
  652.  
  653. "Me too... I love you too, Futaba-han..."
  654.  
  655. Futaba gives her a moment to let it all out, then coaxes her out before the water can get cold. When all is said and done, and Kaoruko is dressed in fresh clothes, she insists she return the favor. Futaba is hesitant.
  656.  
  657. "It's all right, Kaoruko. Maybe in a few days or something. But you've kinda been through a lot this morning."
  658.  
  659. But Kaoruko already has her heart set on it.
  660.  
  661. "That won't do! I want to start repaying you for all you've done for me, Futaba-han! Little by little! You've done so much it might take me my whole life to repay you, but I want to start now!"
  662.  
  663. "Dummy." Futaba goes to her and takes both her hands, giving them a squeeze. "It's not about repaying or obligations or stuff like that." She lifts Kaoruko's hands to her lips and kisses the back of each, then looks up at her once more. "Right?"
  664.  
  665. Kaoruko blinks, but clarity gradually forms in her eyes.
  666.  
  667. "I suppose... Fine. I understand, Futaba-han." She takes Futaba's hands in turn and kisses them both. "Then I'll do this because I want to."
  668.  
  669. Futaba nods in approval.
  670.  
  671. "That sounds nice."
  672.  
  673. So Kaoruko draws a new bath for her, with a few pointers and a bit of help from Futaba. Once it's her turn in the water, Futaba enjoys having her hair and back washed by her friend for the first time in her life. She lets out a long, grumbly kind of exhale, but it's a happy sound. Kaoruko giggles from behind her as she washes her back.
  674.  
  675. "What kind of noise was that?"
  676.  
  677. "Shut up." Futaba splashes at her playfully, and Kaoruko shrieks. She goes on to lather Futaba's hair for her, and once Futaba is finished and dressed, Kaoruko drains the tub herself. She then dries and brushes Futaba's hair, and Futaba is so relaxed she nearly falls off the stool. Kaoruko steadies her and grins.
  678.  
  679. "Even though it's my first time doing this, I'm quite skilled with it, aren't I?"
  680.  
  681. Futaba is too content to even roll her eyes.
  682.  
  683. "Yeah. You sure are."
  684.  
  685. And Kaoruko doesn't stop with just that. She helps Futaba with making their late breakfast, then helps her load the boxes of produce onto the delivery cart when it arrives – though she can only manage the lightest boxes for now, it's still a huge help.
  686.  
  687. They receive their handsome payment, which Kaoruko suggests they spend a bit of in town for their leisure, already making plans of little gifts she'd like to get for Futaba.
  688.  
  689. All the rest of the day, she insists on helping out in the gardens to help earn a bit of their income. Futaba only gives her as much as she can handle, especially since she's still recovering from quite the ordeal. But with her help, they manage to finish the daily chores with some time to spare.
  690.  
  691. That time, they spend out in the flower garden; Kaoruko on her back with her head in Futaba's lap, napping in the warm summer sunlight. Just like old times.
  692.  
  693. Futaba cards through her hair, and occasionally steals kisses from her lips.
  694.  
  695. They work on dinner together that night, and curl up for bed in a warm, mutual embrace. Futaba opens her arms, and Karouko slips into them perfectly. She nuzzles into Futaba's collar, feeling the familiar arms drape around her back and across her shoulders.
  696.  
  697. She feels so safe, so warm, so loved. She always has in Futaba's arms. Always. So now she wants to return the favor.
  698.  
  699. Futaba had been ready to close her eyes and sleep when she feels Kaoruko pushing herself up a little. Futaba blinks up at her curiously.
  700.  
  701. "What's wrong? You okay?"
  702.  
  703. "Yes, yes, I'm fine." Kaoruko scolds her, poking her nose. "You don't have to worry so much anymore, Futaba-han!"
  704.  
  705. "Right, sorry. Old habits."
  706.  
  707. Karouko nods, then rolls over to lie on her back. She lifts up her arms expectantly and waits. Futaba blinks.
  708.  
  709. "Uhh, Kaoruko? What are you doing?"
  710.  
  711. "What does it look like I'm doing?" Kaoruko snaps, clearly offended.
  712.  
  713. Futaba snorts.
  714.  
  715. "It looks like your muscles cramped during a stretch and now you're stuck."
  716.  
  717. "Ugh! Honestly, Futaba-han!" Kaoruko grabs the pillow and throws it at her. Futaba laughs before putting it back into place.
  718.  
  719. "Okay, so seriously, what are you doing?" She has an idea, but she wants to hear Kaoruko say it.
  720.  
  721. Kaoruko stays frozen stiff in her position, arms outstretched and empty. Her face turns pink and she looks away to avoid eye contact.
  722.  
  723. "I... simply want to hold you, Futaba-han."
  724.  
  725. Futaba admits it makes her heart flutter at hearing those words. She smiles.
  726.  
  727. "I'd love that, Kaoruko."
  728.  
  729. So she lowers herself into Kaoruko's waiting arms, sinking softly on top of her. Kaoruko squeezes her back and hides her face in Futaba's hair.
  730.  
  731. "You meany, making me say it out loud like that..."
  732.  
  733. "Sorry, sorry."
  734.  
  735. "...You're forgiven, I suppose..."
  736.  
  737. Kaoruko pulls her as close as possible, enjoying the feeling Futaba's weight over her. It makes her feel safe to lie this way, too. But she loves the feeling of getting to hold Futaba, of making her feel that same sense of security.
  738.  
  739. Futaba sighs against her collar, resting her head sideways over Kaoruko's chest to listen. The pulse beneath her ear is quick and strong, embarrassed and healthy. Futaba smiles and closes her eyes to the sound.
  740.  
  741. "Night, Kaoruko."
  742.  
  743. Kaoruko is quiet for a moment before she mutters back.
  744.  
  745. "Good night, Futaba-han. Sweet dreams."
  746.  
  747. And they both rest better that night than ever before.
  748.  
  749. And in the morning, Futaba discovers it isn't just a short-lived desire to help out on Kaoruko's part.
  750.  
  751. She wakes up early - with Futaba - the next day, and together they prepare breakfast and get to work outside.
  752.  
  753. Since she'd cheated death, Kaoruko's health has improved significantly. She is no longer so delicate or weak to the elements, and believes that with Futaba's help in doing physical tasks, she can increase her strength and stamina.
  754.  
  755. She continues to wake up early with Futaba now to help out with the chores, everything from gardening to laundry and all else in between. And though she often makes petty complaints here or there about how tedious everything is, she always sticks to her tasks until they're completed.
  756.  
  757. Every day she's able to take on a little more, until she has come to split the workload with Futaba equally and fairly.
  758.  
  759. With the two of them working now, they get things done much more efficiently, and can even afford to take a day or two off per week and sleep as late as they please.
  760.  
  761. Kaoruko does her part and is proud for it, and even prouder when she can stand beside Futaba in the marketplace and kiss her for all to see.
  762.  
  763. And little by little, they add to their flower garden, until it expands across the hillside, and the symbol of their hard work and love for one another can be seen from miles away across Starlight Kingdom.
  764.  
  765. -----------
  766.  
  767. A/N: My first ever real Kaorukotaba fic! I like writing their dynamic, though I did sort of make Kaoruko a bit OOC and frail here. I kinda drew from the one manga chapter of her getting sick and whatnot.
  768.  
  769. Sorry the eternal sleep idea kind got repeated from Hikari's chapter... What happens to Sleeping Beauty and Snow White is a bit similar, isn't it? But don't worry, the final two chapters are very different!
  770.  
  771. Autumn is next!
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