Healing Kisses (ch6)

EALRY RELEASE FOR MY $20+ PATRONS!!

Okay so my previous A/N had said this chapter would be lighthearted, but I ended up doing something else first so uh... this one is a bit more drama and maybe the one after will be the lighthearted one? This fic is a mess...

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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														Chapter 6.

It isn't unusual for the dance studio to still be in use after-hours, but with a performance on the horizon it's no surprise.

Claudine and Maya typically linger to practice even when they don't have a play coming up, but for the past several weeks they've been staying till late to perfect everything.

They had landed the lead roles in a play about Victorian romance and mystery, not just because of their fine acting skills, but also too because their personalities matched those of the characters better than any other stage girl's; suave and smug for Maya, stubborn and curious for Claudine.

For now, the two of them practice in the studio alone, pausing only occasionally for water or stretching. Claudine has just finished such a break when Maya approaches her.

"I would like to go over one more scene for the night, if it's all right with you, Saijou-san."

Claudine is seated on the floor, finishing up the last of her water bottle.

"Did you think I would say no? Of course I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're ready for the performance. We wouldn't want you slipping up, now would we?"

"When that day comes I'll be sure to repent. But you may be waiting a few lifetimes."

"As if we'd be together for that long."

"Wouldn't we, though?"

Claudine has half a mind to smack Maya's hand away and stand up on her own, but the comment just now had made her a little happier than she'd care to admit, so she accepts. Maya pulls her to her feet in one swift motion, bringing her forward into a dip and catching her with expert timing. She leans in close until their noses are brushing.

"Now then, if you wouldn't mind, I would like to do this dance scene of ours one more time."

Claudine keeps her cool.

"How did I know that would be your request? You're hopeless."

Maya lets her up, and together they get into position.

The story is that their characters meet at a ball where an honored guest – who is being played by Hikari – suddenly disappears. It is then up to Claudine and Maya – who may or may not be romantically interested in one another at this point in the play – to find her and solve the mystery.

One of the many perks of playing a romantic couple while actually being one was that they didn't have to be shy about the dancing and kissing scenes.

Of course at the moment they're in their usual casual wear of shorts and sweatshirts, and during the performance they'll be wearing in extravagant dresses. For now it's much easier to move around, so they want to get accustomed to every step to account for how they'll move onstage with their costumes.

Maya begins the scene with her line as she begins the dance at a slow pace.

"My stars. I don't believe I've previously seen you around this establishment. Am I mistaken?"

Claudine smiles and begins flirting back.

"Surely you would recognize a face equally as darling as your own if you'd seen it before, no?"

"Pardon me, my lady. You're quite right." Maya gives them a light twirl and pulls Claudine a little closer this time. "I must say I am stunned by your beauty, miss. It would be a great honor if you would fall in love with me."

Claudine scoffs.

"Preposterous. As if I would fall in love with someone I'd only just met."

"Then allow me to take you to dinner tomorrow night. At that point you would not have 'only just met' me, and thus it would be agreeable for you to fall in love with me, yes?"

Maya pulls her in closer as is called for in the play, about to kiss her cheek just before a scream would erupt and push forward the mystery plot. Claudine stops her right on time.

"All right, that will be all."

Maya can't pretend she isn't a little disappointed, but she lets her go.

"A fine job as always, Saijou-san."

"Speak for yourself. I want to get my tone right. Do it one more time."

"Oui, mademoiselle."

They restart the scene, going through the same motions at the same pace, speaking each word in time with every step.

"I must say," Maya recites. "I am stunned by your beauty, miss. It would be a great honor if you would fall in love with me."

"Preposterous. As if I would fall in love with- mm-!" To Claudine's surprise and ire, Maya goes off-script and kisses her halfway through her line. Claudine bites her lip and pushes her back. "Just what on earth do you think you're doing?!"

"My sincerest apologies," Maya hums. "You must understand I simply couldn't help myself, Saijou-san. I've been refraining from it all night, but you were just so beautiful this time around I couldn't hold back any longer."

"Me'chante-" At the very least, now Claudine has found the scathing, flippant tone she'd been looking for. "Preposterous! As if I would fall in love with someone I'd only just met!"

Maya smiles.

"I think that delivery was much more lively. Let's go with that."

Claudine mumbles something in French before scolding her properly.

"Don't think I'm going to thank you for that," she snaps. "You're insufferable."

"It is always my pleasure."

With this, the two girls pack up for the night and exit the studio. They shower and get dressed for bed before retreating to Claudine's room.

And as they lie there together, playing idly through hair and running fingers over backs, Claudine rethinks her line. How preposterous it would be indeed, to fall in love with someone she'd only just met.

And yet, here she is, snuggled up in bed with Maya Tendo, someone she'd shown far too much interest in since day one.

Claudine huffs sharply and stops her mind from wandering to such bothersome places. She pulls Maya closer to her defiantly, as if to prove to herself that she hasn't fallen in love with her, even after all they've been through, even though they kiss one another every day and sleep beside one another every night.

But the giddy flutter of her pulse says it all, and it never stops all night long.

When the day of the performance arrives, all the girls are eager and anxious as always with preparing costumes, makeup, and setup. The Victorian-styled dresses are lavish and layered with frills, Maya's being blue and Claudine's red.

They're definitely some of the most stunning outfits they've ever seen one another in, and both do their best not to blush at the sight of the other. It's especially difficult for Claudine, because Maya's hair has been slightly curled in a way she's never seen before, and it's very charming.

They casually make their way over to one another through the crowds of girls as the audience settles in on the other side of the curtain. Claudine has the usual spark in her eyes, a fiery vow to perform even better than Maya tonight. But of course Maya is only concerned with one thing.

"Ma Claudine, you look absolutely stunning." She reaches out to curl a lock of Claudine's hair around her finger. "If not for the fact that your character becomes the partner and love interest of my own, I would suggest you portray the Queen."

"Enough with your flattery." Claudine pulls herself away, not wanting to get distracted by her charms right before they go on. "Just try not to slip up, Tendo Maya. Because once you do, the Top Star position is all mine."

Maya swoops in to grab her around the waist, pulling her in sharply enough to make her gasp.

"And I will gladly relinquish that position, should you ever best me for it, Saijou-san."

Claudine feels heat rising in her cheeks and quickly pries her off.

"Honestly! You're going to ruin my makeup!"

"By making you blush?"

"Quiet!"

The usual banter helps quell any lingering nerves that might be pestering them, and by the time the curtain rises they're more than ready for the play.

And they go through it all flawlessly as always, with expression and poise and energy, giving life to otherwise dull voices written out in ink on paper. And when the most highly-anticipated dance scene is afoot, everyone backstage is already swooning and sighing.

It's a very important scene. Not only does it establish the characters' feelings for one another, but it also begins to give hints about the plot's mystery.

Claudine knows just how vital it is. She pays extremely close attention to every step she takes, every breath she draws, every glance she sends Maya's way. She concentrates as the dance scene begins and the lighthearted music begins to play. They come together for their dance and exchange words as per usual.

But perhaps Claudine is focusing just a little too hard.

"I must say," Maya projects. "I am stunned by your beauty, miss. It would be a great honor if you would fall in love with me."

"Preposterous! As if I would fall in love with-"

And Claudine stops, waits as she'd waited in their practice scenes. But the look of surprise that crosses Maya's expression a second later, and the squeeze of her hand over Claudine's quickly makes her realize her grave mistake.

There'd been no pause in the original script. Claudine had simply been subconsciously remembering the spot where Maya had kissed her and cut her off, and she's expecting it to happen again.

All in seconds, panic and embarrassment flare in her chest, gripping her tightly. It affects her voice when she nervously tries to continue.

"A-As if I would fall in love with someone I'd only just met!"

They continue their dance for a few seconds longer, until the lights go out in the scene as the mystery of the plot sets into motion. During that time when she can remain unseen, Claudine tries to breathe past the horrible feeling in her chest.

"I... I don't know what happened, I-I just-"

"It's all right." Maya pulls her in for a steadying hug. Claudine is shaking under the weight of her mishap in front of the entire audience and cast, no doubt already being eaten alive by the small mistake. Maya pulls her close and murmurs into her hair. "The audience doesn't know it was a mistake. You still said exactly what you needed to say."

Claudine doesn't know what she's feeling more of right now; anger, humiliation, dread, anxiety, or a plethora of other things. Even if the audience wouldn't know of her mistake, the other students would, Maya would, and Claudine herself always would.

"I'm such an idiot..." She grits her teeth and has to fight hard not to cry; not on stage, not in the middle of the play.

"The show must go on," Maya reminds her gently.

It's only about twenty seconds before the lights come back on and they are to proceed with the play, but Claudine goes through at least a hundred different emotions during that time.

But Maya is right, and Claudine knows it.

So she puts the mishap behind her and faces the next scene head-on. As soon as the lights come back she's ready for them, and every scene after it. The little mistake fuels her to perform with even more vigor and passion than she even normally gives, never letting up all the way through until the end.

The play closes on Claudine and Maya's characters sharing a sweet kiss. But as the curtain falls and their mouths come together, Claudine only holds it for as long as she has to before pulling away. She can't bring herself to look at her right now. She can't bring herself to look at anyone-

"Oh my gosh, you guys!" Karen is the first to begin squealing. "That was amazing! A totally perfect performance!"

"It really was," Hikari agrees.

"It was so moving!" Mahiru smiles.

Maya accepts all of their praise with open arms.

"Thank you, ladies. We all performed splendidly to make the play a success." She looks to Claudine, willing her to join in the celebration. But Claudine still has her head bowed despondently. Maya nudges her and whispers for only her. "You heard me. We all performed splendidly."

Claudine blinks and looks up at her. She's still so conflicted and upset about the mistake. Maya can tell it's bothering her enough to overpower the feeling of accomplishment she should be experiencing now.

But the others don't notice the silent plight, for they're too thrilled about the play having ended so wonderfully.

"That was great," Junna sighs. "Nothing like the feeling you get after finishing up a good performance."

"I'll say," Nana agrees. "It might just be the best feeling in the world!"

But their positivity doesn't reach Claudine. She can't fathom how or why none of them have brought up her mistake yet. Are they just trying to be nice and spare her feelings?

Futaba meets her eyes briefly and smiles. Claudine begs her to expose the elephant in the room. But she doesn't say anything about it.

"Geez, you two were great again as always. I think the audience really loved it!"

Claudine scoffs under her breath and looks to the only person left she can rely on to bring her embarrassment to light. Surely Kaoruko will speak her mind and say what Claudine knows everyone else is thinking-

"I must say I agree," Kaoruko chimes in. "I don't think I've seen such a satisfied audience exit our theater in quite some time."

"Hey!" Futaba snaps. "You make it sound like our past plays were bad somehow!"

"Oh, I wouldn't say bad. Just not as good as this one was, surely."

"You're unbelievable..." Futaba takes the words right out of Claudine's mouth.

All of them are unbelievable. That they'd deliberately avoid mentioning her mistake to spare her pride, and she appreciates that, but she needs someone to mention it before she goes mad.

She sends a beseeching look Maya's way; her truly final hope.

And Maya can see it in her eyes, what she wants from her. But Maya sees no reason to expose something that no one even caught onto as a mistake. So she simply smiles back at Claudine in hopes of reassuring her.

"The play was a success. You did a wonderful job, Saijou-san."

But she should have known it would be no use. Claudine is the type of person who won't let go of a grudge easily, especially one she has against herself. She won't rest until it's been addressed and she's come clean about it.

Maya's sweet smile is the final straw for Claudine. She grips the fabrics of her dress almost hard enough to tear them and finally jerks her head up with a whip of her hair.

"Oh, just say it!" she cries. "One of you, just say it!"

Her friends are taken aback, gasping and jumping in shock at her vehemence.

"K-Kuro-chan?" Karen squeaks. "W-What are you talking about?"

"Don't act like you don't know!" An awful pressure spreads across Claudine's chest, a heavy heated weight as if she's swallowed molten rock. "You all heard what happened, didn't you? What I said..."

Her friends look around at one another in genuine confusion.

"What do you mean?" Hikari inquires.

"I-I didn't see anything wrong," Mahiru mumbles, taking a step back to hide behind Hikari and Karen.

"Did you... make a mistake, Kuro?" Futaba asks.

"Oh my..." Kaoruko mutters. "I hadn't noticed."

Claudine rounds on them, though her anger is only directed towards herself.

"Don't lie! How could you not have noticed?" She whirls around to face Nana. "You wrote the script, didn't you, Daiba-san? Surely you noticed..."

But Nana only shakes her head, hands raised in defense.

"I honestly didn't. I thought you said everything just perfectly, Saijou-san."

"Same here," Junna confirms. "Did you really make a mistake somewhere?"

Claudine can feel her heart in her throat. All of their denial is just adding onto the embarrassment she's feeling now. Maya had been right; no one else had actually noticed, and now Claudine is just making a fool of herself. She can feel tears coming on, but she refuses to let them fall. She rounds on the last person she can count on for this.

Maya would rather they simply leave it alone, but she knows the only way to save Claudine from herself is to bring it to light. Claudine's eyes beg a silent message: You're the only one who knows. Tell them!

That imploring look from Claudine, along with the confusion of all their friends, has Maya caving. Everyone looks to her for the explanation.

"It was a minor pause during the dance scene," she explains. "Saijou-san hesitated, then repeated her line. That's all."

There's a beat of silence as everyone shares puzzled glances with one another. Claudine finally lets out a long sigh and turns away from the others, facing only Maya now.

"Merci..."

She seems like she's really about to cry. Maya stretches out her arm and pulls Claudine close into her side. The others are still baffled by the revelation.

"That's it? She paused and then repeated a line?"

"Did she? I don't remember that at all."

"I didn't notice."

"Me either..."

"Now that you mention it, I sort of remember that," Junna says. "But it fit so naturally in with the script and how the character was feeling at the time, so I didn't really pay any attention."

"You're right," Nana says. "It fit in so well it just seemed totally natural. It was kind of perfect."

As they all start speaking praises of her – the exact opposite of what Claudine has been expecting – she feels that awful knot in her stomach begin to uncoil, little by little. Maya softly pats her shoulder.

"Tu vois? They didn't even notice. Even your mistakes – as few and far between as they are – are perfect, Ma Claudine."

Claudine doesn't even notice it herself when a wobbly smile comes to her lips. They hadn't been trying to spare her from embarrassment at all; they truly hadn't noticed her mistake. And now she feels awful for having doubted and blamed them. That prickling heat gathers behind her eyes and starts spilling over.

"Dummy... that makes no sense..."

She starts to hiccup softly, and it draws the others' attention one by one.

"Kuro-chan?!"

"Oh dear."

"A-Are you crying?"

"What?"

"Oh, no! Please don't cry, Saijou-san!"

"How unseemly."

"Aw, c'mon, Kuro!"

They all inch closer, worried and unsure of what to do. Maya takes the lead and wraps her arms gently around Claudine. The others follow suit, closing in around them in a giant group hug.

"It's okay, Kuro-chan!"

"Your performance was wonderful."

"Saijou-san, you were great!"

"There's no need to cry."

"Yes! Please don't cry!"

"If you cry, you're going to ruin your makeup."

"You did awesome tonight, Kuro. Just like always."

As everyone offers their praises, Maya nuzzles into her partner's hair.

"You gave a beautiful performance, Ma Claudine. A performance almost as beautiful as you."

Claudine eventually cracks a smile as she tries to hug each and every one of them in return, mumbling her gratitude between tears.

At long last she finally turns to Maya, and though her eyes are still rimmed with redness, there is great relief in them as well. Claudine reaches up and wraps her arms around Maya tenderly, in a way that speaks to just how relieved she is about all of this.

"Merci, Ma Maya," she whispers so only she can hear.

Maya curls her arms around Claudine's back and pulls her close, lifting her an inch or so off her feet in the process. She isn't sure who starts the round of applause, but it spreads quickly until the entire backstage crew is cheering.

When the last of Claudine's tears have fallen Maya lets her down. Everyone steps back into a circle and shouts, "Good work!" before spreading out to change clothes or begin helping with cleanup. Above the chatter, Junna's voice rings out.

"After-party in the usual room tonight!"

There's a trill of excitement from the others as everyone hurries along to finish their chores.

Maya and Claudine head to the changing rooms together to. Somewhere along the lines they'd started holding hands, and they aren't about to let go until they have to.

Maya just admires her in that dress for as long as she can, drinking in the sight of her as a Victorian-era princess. Claudine catches her staring and rolls her eyes.

"You're hopeless, you know that?"

"I beg your pardon. I simply couldn't help myself."

"Me neither."

To Maya's surprise, Claudine pulls her in for one more hug and kisses her as well. It only last for a second, as if she's embarrassed the kiss might be a little awkward and salty from all her tears. Claudine buries her face into Maya's shoulder and sighs.

"You were right. I was worried over nothing."

Maya curls her fingers slowly through Claudine's hair, dipping down to kiss her temple.

"But I should apologize. I should have known how difficult something like that must've been for you, no matter how minor the mishap. I shouldn't have told you to act like it was nothing." She eases back and brings her hands around to cup Claudine's face in them, staring earnestly into her eyes. "I'm sorry."

Claudine smiles.

"You don't have to be. I was overreacting."

"But-"

"That's enough," Claudine says gently. "It's all right. It didn't end up being a big deal."

"So you're all right then?"

"It will be nagging at me, no doubt," she huffs. "But yes, I'm all right." She kisses Maya again, and Maya kisses back. At last they part, and Claudine leads them into the changing rooms.

"Now, as much as I adore these dresses, let's get out of them before we sweat to death."

"Agreed."

Once they've showered and changed into their sleepwear, they head off together for the little after-party.

All in all, the performance was a great success, and definitely one the girls will not soon forget.

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A/N: Okay so originally I was planning to write just the events of the after-party next chapter, but then I realized, "well if there's an after-party, there needs to be an event that proceeds it, right?" so I just threw this chapter together.

I wanted to explore the idea of "what if Claudine or Maya made an actual mistake onstage? Forgot a line or tripped or something like that?" I had it be Claudine because 1. it will work better in the next chapter this way, and 2. I just prefer to pick on her and have Maya comfort her.

Next chapter is the lighthearted one, I swear!