Twinkle Twinkle, Little Stars (ch8)

EARLY RELEASE FOR ALL MY PATRONS!!

Now, onto the childhood that was most likely the worst of our group. But not if her partner has anything to say about it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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							Chapter 8. A Day Of Freedom


Claudine can't make much sense of anything right away.

The last thing she recalls is being on that underground stage with her friends, and the lights going out after a rumbling had started up. But now as she finally regains her senses, she's made aware of an all-around chattering and muttering of voices.

With a gasp, she opens her eyes to find herself seated in the audience of a theater. But it isn't the same one she'd lost consciousness in, nor are her friends, classmates, or teachers the people surrounding her now. They're all total strangers, whispering and talking in the typical fashion of a crowd before a performance begins.

Claudine finds herself seated at the end of an aisle, but the woman sitting beside her doesn't even seem to notice Claudine is present at all. Claudine puts a hand to her head and tries to think.

/What in the world is going on? Since when did I get here? And why…?/

At the very least, she recognizes this theater as the one from town, so she is a bit more familiar with her surroundings.

/But why was I sent here? What is the meaning of this? Is it even real to begin with…?/

Suddenly, there's a surge of murmuring and applause from all around the room as the spotlights onstage shift, and the curtains are pulled aside. Claudine watches in confusion as unfamiliar actors begin to appear and start their opening lines.

From what she can gather, this is a very old play, one that's sorely outdated and not the least bit relevant anymore in terms of the politics, speech, or concerns of modern times. She can tell right away it's a play not she nor any of her friends would ever voluntarily attend, and Seishou itself would probably never book a field trip to such a biased performance.

/So why was I brought here? Is this the giraffe's doing?/

She can't make sense of anything right away, and she has no idea if she's meant to be here, or if she was just brought back to a random location after they'd beaten the Korosu. Either way, she opts to remain where she is for a few more minutes, groaning internally at the historically-inaccurate rendition of the play being performed.

At no more than ten minutes in she's already had quite enough, and is getting ready to quietly excuse herself when a sudden movement catches the corner of her eye.

Turning her head to the aisle beside her, Claudine can see a small figure making its way out from the row of seats. She can't see much in the darkness, but she can make out a dress, long hair, and a ribbon to tell her it's a young girl.

The girl moves very respectfully of the adult guests she's passing by, and holds herself up with fine posture. But as soon as she's out in the aisle, the girl turns away from the stage and takes off at a very frantic pace.

Claudine gets a sinking feeling in her stomach. Something feels wrong.

/Are her parents really letting such a young girl go to the restroom on her own? Maybe she's feeling sick?/

Regardless, Claudine doesn't see any adults who seem to be concerned about the child, so she slowly gets to her feet, turning her back on the distasteful play and hurrying down the aisle toward the exit.

She locates the women's restrooms easily, and the door is just closing. And though she's certain the girl is probably fine on her own, something compels Claudine to check on her anyway. So she pushes her way in.

Judging by sound alone, she can tell no one else is in the restroom except for one other person.

A single stall door is closed, but Claudine can't see the little girl's shoes at all, which tells her she's probably sitting on top of the toilet seat with her knees pulled to her chest, as someone would when they were upset.

Cautiously, Claudine pauses on the other side of that stall.

"Hello...?" she calls softly. "Are you all right, sweetie? Did you suddenly not feel well? I'll be honest, that play was making me feel a bit sick, too."

She hears a soft gasp, but it's less surprised and more… frightened. Then, a small voice.

"You… You aren't Mother..."

She sounds... relieved.

Claudine is upset that a young girl would feel such dismay about her own mother.

"No," she replies. "I'm not anyone's mother. I just happened to see you run out and I thought you might be sick, so I wanted to check on you. That's all."

For a long moment, there's no response of any kind. But then, she hears the cautious tapping of two shoes as they slide down onto the floor. The girl stands now, and slowly makes her way to the door.

Claudine takes a step back as she hears the click of the lock sliding out of place, and then the creak of the door opening. Relief rushes through her that the child seems to be fine.

"Thank goodness! I was worried that- ah-?!"

Claudine nearly blurts out a full-fledged shriek as she finally gets a proper look at the girl.

Her attire of a navy blue dress, white socks, and black shoes is very formal, her long brown hair is tied at the back by a dark violet ribbon, and her silver eyes are shockingly familiar.

Claudine's cry of surprise echoes around the bathroom.

"Y-You're-! T-Tendo Maya-?"

There's no mistake about it. Other than the fact that she's only a fraction of her normal size, and that her features are much less mature, it is irrefutable that this girl is the one and only Tendo Maya.

/But how-? Am I hallucinating? This must be a dream-/

"Yes…" The girl lifts her gaze a bit timidly to Claudine. "That is my name. I suppose you know of me because of my performances?"

"I… Ah, y-yes, that's right. You're a very skilled young woman, aren't you?" Claudine plays along as casually as possible, even though her mind is whirling. Maya stays put, clasping her hands together in front of herself in a clearly nervous fashion.

"Are you… going to bring me back to my parents now…?"

"Your parents…?" Claudine is quiet for a moment. All thoughts and questions of how this could be happening are pushed aside as she remembers all of the distasteful things she's ever known about Maya's parents.

Maya had never opened up about them much at school, but Claudine had gathered quite enough from what she hadn't said. And of course, everyone involved in Japanese theater in any way knew of the renown Tendos. The prestigious purebreds, who had a prodigy of a daughter, unmatched in her skills even at such a young age.

Or at least, that's what the rest of the world knows. But the people closest to Maya at Seishou, particularly Claudine, know it isn't all fun and games. Maya's parents are terribly strict, often putting Maya's status before her wellbeing. They would rather she be in good health so she could win an award rather than be able to play with classmates. Her home life was undoubtedly harsh, and her value to her parents was based upon her successes on the stage.

Claudine can feel herself growing angry at the thoughts. Perhaps the Maya she knew currently at Seishou had been able to break away from them to some degree and seek out her own path. But as she is now, this little girl is still trapped within their clutches.

Now Claudine understands why little Maya had sounded scared at thinking her mother had come to find her, and why she'd only come to open the door because Claudine had assured Maya she wasn't her mother.

As everything finally settles in for her, Claudine breathes in deeply to calm herself.

"No," she says firmly and honestly. "I'm not taking you back to your parents, so don't worry about that."

It hurts her a little at how clearly relieved Maya is to hear that; she'd rather sit alone in a bathroom stall than sit in the audience beside her own parents. Claudine has decided she won't let either of those things happen.

"No," she says again. "Actually, I'm here to take you on a very special adventure today."

Maya blinks, and a small sparkle comes into her gaze.

"An adventure…?"

"Oui." Claudine tosses her hair over her shoulder. "That boring play is going to be dragging on for nearly two hours, so instead of suffering through it, the two of us are going to sneak out and have some fun!"

She already knows this is ridiculous - that what she's proposing is essentially kidnapping. But this has got to be a dream, so there won't be consequences even if she is found out.

In addition to that, the fact that Maya seems more than eager to go with Claudine - a complete stranger, as she is to her now - rather than go back to her parents, just goes to show how messed up things are in her young life.

So just to be as safe as possible with such a terrible idea, Claudine is sure to ask her permission.

"What do you think? Would you like to come along with me, Miss Tendo Maya-san? I'll have you back here before the play is over. And something tells me your parents won't even bother to notice you've been gone in the first place."

This really is a bad idea, but Claudine would willingly get apprehended by the authorities if it meant she could give Maya a few hours of fun away from her stifling family life.

And to her surprise, the little girl takes a step forward to her, reaching up to hug Claudine around her waist and burying her face into her blouse.

"Yes…" Maya mumbles. "I want to go with you, Onee-chan…"

Claudine is hesitant, but eventually returns a soft, loose embrace to her. Just like her own, older Maya, this girl craves physical affection very much, due to a painfully-evident lack of it she'd ever gotten at home.

Claudine pats through her hair for a moment, letting Maya stay close.

"All right," she says. "Don't you worry, Miss Tendo Maya-san. Leave it to your Onee-chan: to Saijou Claudine!"

Maya eases back and blinks up at her.

"Saijou… Claudine-san…?"

"Ah, is it a bit difficult for you to say? Then why don't you call me Kuro-san?" Somehow it doesn't seem right to have such a young Maya call her by her last name or address her formally. Maya tries out the nickname.

"Kuro-Onee-san?"

"That's perfect." Claudine pats her head again, then offers her hand to the girl. "All right, we've got two hours! Kuro-Onee-san will show you the most fun you've ever had!"

And little Maya finally breaks into a smile. She happily accepts Claudine's hand and squeezes tightly. Claudine squeezes back, making a silent vow to never let go.

"All right, follow me!"

With this, Claudine leads the girl to the bathroom exit, though she pauses to peek out cautiously and ensure no one else is around to see them.

When she's certain the coast is clear, Claudine leads Maya out into the hallway, and casually toward the exit doors. To anyone in the lobby, they simply look like sisters, or a babysitter and her charge.

When Claudine glances down, she can see Maya is bounding along a little excitedly, which is probably a manner of walking she rarely or never gets to express when in the presence of her family.

Claudine smiles pleasantly at the people they pass by until they make it to the doors. Luckily, the weather is bright and sunny, and Claudine hadn't just lead this child out of the theater into a rainstorm.

Maya already looks ten times happier and more energetic than she had when inside the building.

Claudine stands with her for a moment, keeping hold of her hand as she debates on what to do next. She'd been the one to promise an adventure, after all, and even if she did ask Maya where she wanted to go, she doesn't think the girl would have any idea of what she'd want to do, because she'd probably never been given the option before. Claudine tries not to let the thoughts upset her, and she maintains her smile as Maya looks up at her.

"Kuro-Onee-san, what are we going to do first?"

"I'm glad you asked," Claudine smirks. She can feel the shape of her wallet in her pocket, and she's glad to have it even in this dream. "First, we're going to find some sweet treasures!"

"Treasures?"

"Sweet treasures," Claudine reiterates. "The sweetest ones you can think of! I know just the place! Ready?" She gives Maya's arm a light little swing, and Maya steps a bit closer to her, now holding onto her with both hands.

"Mm."

"Then off we go!"

Claudine begins leading her away from the theater and down the sidewalk, keeping to the shade as they head into town. She makes note of the current time on the clock towers they pass by to ensure she'll get Maya back before the play is over.

As they walk, Maya is wide-eyed and in awe at the town around her. Claudine's certain she's seen it a million times before, but never with the same intangible ticket of freedom. Claudine knows the girl has been raised not to get excited over trivial things and to be well-mannered, especially when in public.

So she pays very close attention to Maya, taking note of the little idiosyncrasies she displays. Whenever she pauses a little bit in her pace or her eyes get a little wider or her grip gets a little tighter, Claudine is sure to slow down or stop so Maya can take in whatever it is she's looking at.

Claudine is patient with her, never telling her to hurry up or to forget about whatever thing she wants to look at.

The two girls move at a leisurely pace through town, until their destination is in sight for Claudine.

By this point, Maya is still holding onto her arm with both hands, keeping close to Claudine, and clearly very comfortable with her. Claudine reaches over with her free hand to pat the girl's head.

"Oh!" she says. "We're almost there. Are you ready?"

"Yes!" Maya gives a little jump and smiles wider than she probably ever has before in her life thus far. Claudine smiles back and begins leading her to the colorful sweets shop.

She feels Maya's little hands gripping her even tighter in excitement as they near, and finally step inside.

The walls are lined with rows and rows of boxes and baggies of sweets, and glass display cases show off fresh cool desserts of every kind. Candies, cookies, crackers, brownies, cakes, ice creams…

Claudine is certain to look only at Maya for her reaction.

And it's an adorable one for sure.

It's as if a gentle wind has started swirling around her. Maya lifts herself up onto her tip-toes, straining to try and look at everything at once, her hands trembling in anticipation, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her mouth drops open in a quiet little gasp that makes only the tiniest sound.

Claudine's heart is half warm and half aching, glad she could let her feel such joy, and angered that Maya had never gotten to feel it until now.

After a moment of letting her take it all in, Claudine prompts her softly.

"So? What do you think?"

Maya's mouth is still hanging open, and now she seems to remember her manners and closes it.

"I've always wanted to come in here," she murmurs. "But my father says-"

"Don't mind your father," Claudine huffs. "He isn't in charge today - I am. And one day when you're old enough, you'll be in charge of yourself, so don't let even your own parents tell you otherwise."

Maya gazes up at her in wonder, but says nothing. Claudine gives her a kind smile back.

"Now then, you can pick out whatever you'd like. Today is a special day and you get to have fun with Kuro-Onee-san."

Maya's eyes twinkle, and she looks as if she's about to cry from happiness. Claudine pats her head once again.

"Come on. Let's have a look at everything."

Claudine begins leading her through the shop to look at all of the dozens and dozens of treats. She even loosens her grip on Maya's hand to allow her to roam freely since the place is so small.

But Maya doesn't let go of Claudine no matter what, so Claudine gladly keeps hold of that hand.

Maya picks out a few small wrapped candies of different flavors, and Claudine is a little surprised she doesn't pick more. But she figures the girl knows she'll have to eat everything she chooses before she gets back to the theater so her parents don't find any evidence she'd left.

As they reach the counter, Claudine notes the little girl is eyeing one of the ice creams behind the glass. But she only looks longingly and doesn't say anything. Claudine leaves the candies on the counter for the clerk to start ringing up, then crouches down beside Maya for a moment.

"Hey, Miss Tendo Maya-san? Would you perhaps like some ice cream?"

Maya stiffens, as if nervous at having been found out.

"N-No…" she mumbles.

Claudine's heart breaks. What kind of parents raise a child to be afraid to ask for a scoop of ice cream?

Claudine can't stop herself from opening up her arms and pulling Maya into a soft, gentle hug.

"Now you listen to me," she murmurs. "Don't be afraid to speak up and tell people what you want. Be confident. Say what's on your mind. Even if it's something like wanting ice cream. Even if they reject you, you've got to at least make your wishes known. Understand?"

It takes a moment, but eventually Maya lifts her arms and clings onto Claudine's shoulders to return the hug.

"Mm…"

Claudine wishes she could steal her away for real, but then recalls it's only a dream. It isn't as though anything she says or does here will truly change Maya's life.

But even in a dream like this, she'd do anything to make her smile.

She gives a little pat to the girl's back, then slowly eases away.

"Now then, which flavor?" She picks Maya up in her arms and holds her up to the display case she so can see all of the flavors. Maya eventually settles on mint-chocolate, and Claudine requests coffee-vanilla for herself.

The clerk rings them up, and Claudine pays the fee. She holds onto the candies for now in her pocket, and hands Maya her ice cream cone. Maya clasps it with both hands and gives it a lick, and her eyes sparkle all over again. Claudine accepts her own cone and thanks the worker before taking a few napkins, and then holding the door for Maya.

They walk down the sidewalk slowly, enjoying their ice cream in the warm afternoon. Claudine locates the nearest bench in some shade and guides Maya to sit so she won't drip on her clothes while walking.

Claudine watches her fondly, occasionally reaching over with a napkin to clean off her cheek or chin. Maya smiles all the while as she enjoys her treat, swinging her legs off the side of the bench merrily, in a fashion her family probably always told her was childish or improper.

But as far as Claudine is concerned, she isn't the child prodigy actress Tendo Maya today. She is simply a young girl enjoying a special treat.

Claudine doesn't want to remind Maya of her family life today, so she doesn't ask her about that or about her acting, singing, or dancing. Instead, she asks Maya her favorite ice cream flavors, or which she thinks is the cutest dog walking past them.

By the time they've both finished their ice cream and thrown away their garbage, Maya has moved back in to cling to Claudine's arm.

"Kuro-Onee-san, where are we going next?"

"Well now that we've found our treasure, how about we just take it easy now and go to the park?"

Maya nods instantly.

"Okay!"

Claudine offers her one of the three candies in her pocket as they stand up and head off. Maya munches on the cream-filled sweet as she bounds along beside her.

They reach the park within minutes, and Claudine leads her along one of the many sidewalks. They look at the bright flowers blooming in the little garden section, and pause to sit beside a little blue pond and watch the ducks. Maya even finds a swan nesting in the tall grasses and sighs happily as she nestles closer into Claudine's side.

"It's so pretty…"

Claudine runs a hand through the girl's long hair.

/How in the world do you grow up to be the most infuriating woman on the planet?/

She reaches into her pocket and extracts the next candy, which has a caramel filling. Maya opens it, and then holds it with both hands to push down in an effort to break it. Claudine is surprised when the girl offers her half.

"Oh, no," she says politely. "Miss Tendo Maya-san, these treats are all for you today. You've always been such a good girl. You deserve them."

Maya blushes a little bit at the praise - praise she clearly doesn't hear often enough. But she shakes her head and continues holding the piece out to her.

"But… I want you to enjoy it too, Kuro-Onee-san."

And Claudine can't possibly refuse if sharing is what will make Maya the happiest.

"All right," she says, dipping her head. "Then thank you very much."

Maya beams back at her, and they eat their chocolates together.

When they're finished looking at the water, they start to saunter once again. Plenty of people walking their dogs pass them by, but it's when a particularly cute small fluffy one is heading their way when Maya's grip on Claudine's hand tightens again. Claudine looks down to see if it means she's frightened or excited, but it's very clearly the latter. She gives a light tug to Maya's hand.

"Would you like me to ask her if we can pet him?"

Maya looks up at her with such eagerness in her eyes, Claudine is surprised she hasn't started whimpering like a puppy herself. She pats Maya's head.

"All right, let's see what she says. Excuse me, Miss?"

The dog is already pulling at his leash excitedly to get to Maya, but she waits until the owner has happily granted permission.

"Thank you," Claudine smiles at the woman.

But before she lets Maya touch the animal, Claudine crouches down and occupies the dog's attention herself. After all, the last thing she needs is for Maya to get bitten.

So Claudine uses both hands to gently ruffle the dog's cheeks and muzzle, while Maya pats the top of his head and his back. He's very well-behaved though, and both girls let out a few squeals as they pet him.

After a moment, Claudine eases Maya back, and they both thank the kind woman as she waves and walks off.

Claudine checks the time on the big clock in the center of the park to see they still have a good hour left. So she brings Maya toward the playground to see if she'll take interest.

But Maya actually moves away and walks closer to Claudine instead. Claudinne can only assume the poor girl hasn't been allowed to interact much with children her own age outside of dance recitals and whatnot.

/Does she even know how to have fun with other kids on a playground?/

Judging by Maya's reaction and how she seems more nervous than excited, Claudine knows the answer. She doesn't want to push her to do something she's uncomfortable with, but Claudine offers to help her take at least one step out of her shell.

"Say," she proposes. "Would you like to go on the swings? I'll stay right beside you and I can push you, if you'd like."

Maya blinks up at her, then looks back to the playground and all the children laughing and running around on it. After considering the option, she eventually nods.

"Yes."

Claudine gives her head another pat before leading her to the swings.

As promised, she stays with Maya and pushes her gently, but never higher than she seems comfortable with.

But Maya doesn't seem scared at all. She adapts to the movements as naturally as any child would, kicking her legs and giggling at the rush of wind in her hair.

Claudine pushes her for several minutes, until she can tell Maya is getting a bit tired. Claudine gradually slows her to a stop, at which point Maya hops off and turns around to hug her stomach. Claudine pats her head again.

"You're very welcome."

They begin walking again, and Claudine gives Maya her final candy, which has a strawberry filling. And once again, Maya breaks it and offers her half.

They pass by more gardens and observe the flowers and butterflies, then find a bird's nest up in a tree to watch the mother feeding the babies.

Claudine enjoys herself as much as Maya does, but she has the dreaded job of keeping her eye on the clock. And when they only have a little over half an hour left, she lets out a long sigh.

Maya is bubbling with delight by now, and Claudine hates to think she'll ruin it for her. She crouches down again and speaks very gently.

"Miss Tendo Maya-san?"

"Yes!"

Claudine ruffles the girl's head lightly.

"I'm sorry to say that our time for this little adventure is almost up now. I'll have to take you back to the theater." She flinches, expecting Maya's vibrant smile to fade. But to Claudine's surprise, Maya just gives a happy nod.

"Okay. I think I had so much fun with you today that I won't mind going back." And this time, Maya actually grins and shows her full smile. "Thank you very much, Kuro-Onee-san!"

Claudine feels her eyes begin to water, and she can't stop herself from pulling Maya into another hug. If she could have her way, she'd never leave her.

But she supposes if any of this were real, and if Claudine were to alter Maya's past in some major way, she might not ever have met her at Seishou ten years in the future.

When they're both ready, Claudine stands again, and Maya takes her hand as they begin the walk back to town. They go at a saunter, trying to enjoy every last moment together. Maya keeps close, seeking every last bit of affection from Claudine that she didn't get at home. Claudine's heart twists at the thought, so she comes to a halt and crouches down in front of her onnce again.

"Here." Claudine opens her arms. "You're tired, aren't you? I'll carry you back." She knows Maya hadn't said anything because she didn't want to be a burden, but she can see it clearly on her face that the girl's eyelids are starting to droop now. Maya gives a little nod, then sleepily walks forward to hug Claudine's neck.

Claudine picks her up and cradles her close, giving her a loose hug as she stands and continues walking.

By the time she reaches the theater, they've got about 30 minutes until the show will end. Claudine heaves a sigh and makes her way back through the automatic doors. She walks quietly down the halls to find the correct theater, and silently pushes through the door.

The bore of a play is still going, and judging by the people yawning in their seats around her, Claudine made the right decision in leaving.

She makes her way back to the aisle where she'd had her end seat and pauses. She has no idea where Maya's parents are seated, but judging by the fact that no one seems concerned, she can infer they didn't even notice their daughter was gone.

/Then I'm keeping her until the last second./

With this decided, Claudine takes her empty seat and settles in with Maya in her lap. The little girl is still hugging her, and nestles in against Claudine's collar.

"Kuro…Onee-san…" she mumbles. "Thank you…"

Claudine leans down to kiss her head.

"I'm glad you had fun today. I'll be rooting for you every step of the way, Miss Tendo Maya-san."

She gives the girl one last squeeze before feeling her go limp with sleep.

As as soon as Claudine is forced to look up at the play, she suddenly feels just as tired. She'll wake up when everyone starts to leave, and then she can let Maya make her way back to her parents.

But until then, Claudine hugs her close and closes her eyes.

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A/N: I just think Claudine would be such a good babysitter to little Maya! She'd teach her good morales and self-esteem, but would also let her have fun and eat snacks and stuff ;v; Ahhh if only she could give Maya one fun day as a kid in canon as well...