Imperfectly Perfect

Happy New Year! What better way to start off 2022 than with some Mayakuro?

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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						Imperfectly Perfect

Since day one of classes this year at Seishou - no - since even before that at the qualification exams, everyone had known that Tendo Maya and Saijou Claudine would be undeniably, irrevocably together.

Even before they'd so much as stood next to one another, it was obvious to tell that they would fit perfectly side by side. And not just due to their impeccable, graceful movements, their fluid leaps and twirls, and their angelic voices… But also too because of their impossibly good looks.

They were a couple people tended to put together in their minds, even when the dancers themselves were nowhere near one another.

It was simply how things were. Tendo Maya and Saijou Claudine fit together. They were perfect for one another as partners. In dance. In song. In acting. And eventually, as another kind of 'partners' as well.

Considering how frequently they were put together for practices and demonstrations, how often they both landed leading roles or solos, and how passionately dedicated they were to training and performing, it was common knowledge that Maya and Claudine most likely spent more time together than the roommate pairs who lived together.

Therefore, it didn't come as too much of a surprise when one day, about halfway through their first year, they started dating.

It was no surprise - and yet every single girl in the school seemed to be gasping and giggling and swooning at the prospect, envious and excited and eager.

As for how this had happened, it was quite an endearing event.

After weeks and months of rigorous training, fervent competition, and heated rivalry, with all sorts of goading comments flying back and forth between the two of them, somewhere along the lines the 'insults' spouted in order to motivate one another had turned into compliments. Though still often spoken in a snobbish manner, or with a mightier-than-thou attitude, Maya and Claudine soon began to praise one another honestly, letting them know what they admired most about one another.

And eventually, in the mix of secretly affectionate words cloaked in the haughty tones of aggression and rivalry, the two top students had gotten entangled in a beautiful dance one day at practice. Because they fit so well together and could read each other's next step and match their movements flawlessly, they managed to execute the number spectacularly on their first try.

And in the glory of the moment after that final twirl, with all of their friends and instructors applauding and cheering praises of admiration, it had just felt right. Neither Maya nor Claudine had breathed a word to each other, but words hadn't exactly been necessary when the mutual feelings coursing through them both had been easily conveyed and interpreted in the thumping of their heartbeats, the surety of their grip on one another, and the desire in their eyes.

They'd kissed right then and there, as naturally as anything, without shame or hesitation, and it had felt as wonderful and true and real as any dance they'd ever danced together. Every huffed comment and indignant mutter and conceited chuckle had brought them here, lead them down the same path to the same destination.

And so Seishou Music Academy knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Maya and Claudine were officially dating.

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To the whole rest of the school, the kiss that had officially announced Maya's and Claudine's relationship had been extravagant, ethereal, absolutely astounding. And Maya hopes it had felt and been that way for Claudine as well.

But even though it had certainly felt that way to some degree for Maya herself as well, later that evening she still can't shake the feeling that it had all been a dream.

She still can't believe it. That she'd kissed Claudine, and that Claudine had kissed back. Or maybe Claudine had kissed her and Maya had been the one to kiss back. Either way, they'd kissed one another, and Maya still can't fathom it, even hours later at suppertime, or in the shower, or as they're saying goodnight before parting ways in the hallway.

Throughout it all, Maya wonders - panics, even - if she should be doing more. Should she hold Claudine's hand at dinner? Should she touch her a bit more closely in the bathrooms as they dry their hair? Should she kiss her goodnight before they part ways to separate rooms? Should she offer for Claudine to come to her room…?

Maya frets all throughout the evening at each interval.

And yet, Claudine never initiates anything any differently than she did on any other evening, when they hadn't just kissed in front of the entire grade.

Which leaves Maya to wonder if she needs to be the one to initiate such things. After all, she is the daughter of the renown Tendo family. She should be the one to take charge and treat her partner - her girlfriend - as exceptionally as possible at any given time.

So that night, after supper and showers have come to pass, as Maya and Claudine are just saying their goodnights, Maya makes up for her shortcomings in the other departments and steps in to loop her arm around Claudine's waist. Claudine makes a small sound of surprise as Maya presses a short kiss to her cheek.

The second her lips make contact with Claudine's smooth skin, Maya's heart backflips, and she feels her face heating up. Slowly, she steps back, chancing a glance at her eyes. Claudine is smirking back at her with interest.

"Oh?" she hums. "What was that for?"

Maya tries to remember her pride and her family name, and she lifts her chin.

"It was a goodnight kiss. That is something that people like us do, is it not?"

" 'People like us', hm?" Claudine chuckles. "Well, I guess you're not wrong. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it."

In return, Claudine reaches out to loop her arms around Maya's neck, bringing herself close into a hug. Maya reacts quickly enough to hug her back. Past the chaos in her own torso, she's able to to feel the delighted pulse of Claudine's heartbeat thumping lightly against her chest. Maya squeezes her a bit more snugly, then kisses her again. In turn, Claudine leaves behind a small peck to her cheek before letting her go.

"Bonne nuit, Tendo Maya."

"Yes…" Maya replies a bit absently. "Rest well, Saijou Claudine."

She watches Claudine turn and disappear behind her door, then walks a bit unsteadily back to her own.

As she lies herself down for bed that night, Maya's mind rushes with so many things and images and emotions. Somehow, someway, she and Claudine had kissed, and now they were dating, and everyone knew it.

But little did they know that this was Maya's first relationship - ever - and she knew next to nothing about this sort of thing. She had no experience, no knowledge, and certainly no one to ask for advice.

How can I be good to Saijou-san? How can I make her happy…?

It was a great responsibility for her to be thinking of so late on a school night. But she was a Tendo. She could handle any challenge, any situation, so long as she did what she'd always done; give her all.

Only this time, her efforts would be conveyed and given in different ways than before. She wouldn't be doing anything academic or athletic or monetary here, but instead her efforts would need to be in a department Maya had never dabbled in before.

Romance.

And due to her unfamiliarity with the subject, she realizes she's going to need some material to study from.

And so, instead of getting to sleep as she undoubtedly should have by that hour, Maya instead pulls out her cell phone and begins looking up references for romance in the only form she knows of; theatre.

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For the next few days, Maya keeps her affections to a bare minimum, with only small hugs and kisses for Claudine here or there. Just until she's got enough knowledge and material to begin showing her feelings for real.

She's been studying the most romantic of plays, the most intimate of scripts, the most passionate of performances, and just a few days later, she finally believes she's ready to start showing her feelings for Claudine properly.

After all, what had initially drawn Claudine to her must have been Maya's excellence, not just in theatre, but in everything else as well. As a Tendo, she is powerful, poised, elegant, and chivalrous, and she must do whatever she possibly can in order to continue impressing Claudine to keep her interested.

Therefore, now that she'd studied all of the best material on the matter, Maya doesn't waste anymore time.

She begins this morning, which is slightly overcast with clouds. She'd missed Claudine in the hallways outside their dorms because Maya had been finishing up watching a brief romantic play, but she's determined not to miss out on another second spent with her girlfriend.

After grabbing her school bag, Maya hurries to the dining hall to join everyone for breakfast before they begin their walk to school.

To her relief, she ends up spotting Claudine with Futaba and Kaoruko, just getting off the line with their trays. Maya swiftly makes her way across the room while still managing to be as proper as possible. Kaoruko is the first to catch Maya's eye, and she instantly smirks before nudging Claudine's side.

"Oh, Kuro-han? It appears someone's been looking for you all morning~"

The second Claudine looks up and meets her eyes, Maya nearly falls for her all over again - and also nearly falls after almost tripping over a chair. But by sheer force of will to be as professional and perfect as possible, Maya rights herself and manages to keep her posture straight.

By now, she's reached her classmates, and comes to a stop a few feet in front of Claudine. Clearing her throat, Maya greets her as grandly as possible.

"Why, good morning, Saijou-san." Maya drapes one arm across her stomach and lowers herself into a highly chivalrous bow.

Claudine's more casual greeting dies on her tongue as she's taken aback by the gesture, and both Futaba and Kaoruko are too.

"Whoa!"

"Oh my, Tendo-han~"

As soon as Claudine recovers, she quickly lets out a grunt.

"You can just greet me normally, you know! Lift your head, Tendo Maya!"

"So that I may gaze upon your beauty even more," Maya recites, lifting herself. "You have my gratitude."

Claudine gives her a look as though she'd sprouted extra limbs.

"Are you sick? Did you eat something bad last night? You're being even weirder than usual."

"Not at all," Maya assures her. "Now then, please allow me." Maya grabs the back of the nearest chair and pulls it out to offer it to Claudine. A few girls seated nearby squeal and whisper delightedly.

Claudine regards Maya with caution before slowly taking her seat.

"Merci."

"Hey, Futaba-han!" Kaoruko whines. "Be a doll and pull my seat out for me too?"

"In your dreams."

With this, Maya goes off to fetch her own food, then returns to sit across from Claudine and admire her as she enjoys her breakfast. Their other friends eventually join them to sit and eat together for a while, and soon it's time for them to get ready and leave for the school.

As they all venture to the dorm's exit, Maya can tell that there's a very slight drizzle outside. She'd prepared for this as well, and stops Claudine before she can step out. Maya pulls a small foldable umbrella from her bag and opens it in the doorway, letting it fan out and cover Claudine completely in one fluid motion. Their surrounding friends and classmates give them looks of surprise and admiration.

However, Claudine is more confused than anything. She peeks out at Maya from beneath the umbrella and raises an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?" she asks. "It's not like there's a rainstorm. It's barely even a mist. We don't need an umbrella."

Maya frowns.

"Our walk is nearly ten minutes. By the time we arrive at school it will surely be enough to have wet your hair and uniform a significant amount."

"I wouldn't say 'significant'…" Claudine sighs, but she can tell there's no stopping Maya now that she's already started with this. "Fine."

Maya's lips curve up into a smile, and she proudly straightens up to continue holding the umbrella for Claudine as they step outside.

Of course, it's just as Claudine had said and there's barely any moisture in the air at all, and certainly not enough to warrant an umbrella. No one else on the entire walk to school has an umbrella out, and there's certainly no one making a deal about holding one for someone else. It's more than a little embarrassing, but Claudine tries to just converse with her friends and walk as usual beside Maya.

When they finally get to school, Maya has several more grandiose things planned in order to give her girlfriend the most romantic treatment possible while still keeping it publicly appropriate.

They share their homeroom class with their friends, but for the second block of electives Maya and Claudine are in separate rooms. However, being in different rooms isn't enough to thwart Maya's romantic efforts.

When Claudine walks in to take her seat, she finds a small bouquet of flowers on her desk with a note tied to them. All around her, her classmates swoon and giggle with envy and amusement while Claudine blushes red and bashfully reads the note to herself.

Ma Claudine,

Even when we are apart, please think of me, for I will be thinking of you endlessly.

Sincerely,

Maya

Extravagant is an understatement, that's for sure. Claudine quickly tucks the note away into her bag, and slips the flowers in amongst her books. Though all of Maya's gestures so far have certainly made her heart flutter, it is all just a bit much.

"I know everything needs to be a big dramatic deal with her," she mutters. "But really…?"

And it doesn't stop there, either.

At lunch, Maya had prepared a few poems to read to Claudine, comparing her brightness and warmth to the sun and lavish things of that nature.

Outside, when they go to enjoy their tea time, Maya sings her praises to Claudine, both figuratively and literally. She lets the entire campus know just how lovely and beautiful and compassionate and kind Saijou Claudine is, praising her in every form of prose and verse.

And normally, Claudine would snap at her and make her stop. But she takes a step back and tries to see things from Maya's point of view.

Of course, Claudine herself is equally as thrilled and happy now that they are officially a couple. She presumes all of this extraordinary treatment she's receiving from Maya is just a one-day thing, and that Maya will settle down and let things be normal again once the high has melted a bit.

Therefore, Claudine bears it all, just for today, wanting to let Maya celebrate their relationship in whatever way she wants - no matter how mortifying it may be.

Maya concludes their tea time session by reciting Claudine one last romantic poem, one that has Claudine's heart in a fluster both due to how sickeningly sweet, and terribly cheesy it is.

To wrap it all up, Maya takes Claudine's hand in hers and drops down onto one knee, then plants a long, firm kiss to the back of her knuckles. Everyone in the entire courtyard swoons and sighs and holds back all sorts of squeals. Claudine lets Maya have the kiss and the moment for as long as she can bear it, then swiftly pulls her up and brings her back inside.

But of course, Maya isn't finished for the day.

In the other classes they share, Maya is constantly passing fond gazes in Claudine's direction if she isn't passing her poems in secrecy.

But perhaps the most… interesting show of affection is in their art class.

Everyone knew that art was Tendo Maya's only academic weakness, but today not even the prospect of painting can slow her down.

What she ends up creating is something she claims to be a portrait of Claudine, although the product is obscure enough that no human features could be identified at all.

Regardless, Claudine smiles and accepts the portrait (as well as several unidentifiable sketches) from her as the girls all around her giggle and applaud.

At the end of their day at dance lessons is where Maya acts as close to normal as possible, all things considered. She focuses a bit more on her dancing and singing instead of courting her girlfriend, which allows Claudine a brief period of time to focus as well.

But of course, the moment they pair up for stretching and dancing, Maya is all over her, spinning her, twirling with her, touching her in every way she possibly can, murmuring sweet nothings and romantic phrases, and of course kissing her as often as she can. Even their instructor is blushing by the end of the class.

And of course, as soon as Maya and Claudine are alone together, staying late for extra practice, Maya continues with it all until the very last second.

After they've changed back into their uniforms and started the walk back to the dorms, Maya once again pulls out her umbrella, even though the clouds had cleared and the sun had come out hours and hours ago. She claims to want to shield Claudine from any harmful UV rays on the walk home, and Claudine simply accepts.

/Hopefully it's just for today,/ she reminds herself.

By the time they get back to Starlight Hall and finish their homework, Maya still hasn't broken out of her romantic mood. Whenever Claudine asks her to pass over a book or a pencil, Maya hands it to her with a bow, or when Claudine clears her throat one single time, Maya is instantly up fetching her a bottle of water.

At dinner, Maya once again pulls Claudine's chair out for her, and in the showers she sings her praises once more, complimenting Claudine's flawless skin and lush hair as they get dressed.

And it's really no surprise that Maya comes into Claudine's room that night to share her bed, something they've done quite frequently in the past, even before they'd been dating.

And in spite of how badly Claudine longs to tell Maya that she doesn't need to do all of this, she holds her tongue and lets Maya convey her excitement however she pleases.

Doing lavish things in front of the entire school is one thing.

However, Claudine certainly doesn't complain about the shower of kisses and cuddles Maya rains down on her now that they're alone in bed. Claudine laughs, kissing her back whenever and however possible, letting her slight misgivings about Maya's grander actions today fade off.

After all, Claudine may not express herself in quite the same manner as Maya had, but she is also very thrilled about their new relationship.

Therefore, that night, Claudine loops her arms around Maya's neck and kisses her one last time before allowing Maya to sing her to sleep while stroking her hair.

And Maya continues to sing and hum to her long after Claudine has fallen asleep. She nuzzles close, snuggling against Claudine's neck and enjoying the rhythm of her heartbeat, feeling satisfied that she had successfully conveyed her feelings today.

At last, Maya closes her eyes and sleeps, and of course her dreams are of Claudine.

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It had been Claudine's hope that Maya's romantic gestures would only last that first day.

However, her partner continues with the same cliche things the following day as well.

And Claudine continues holding her tongue, believing she could permit just one more day.

But then it continues the next day as well, and the day after that. And by that point, it's begun to get on Claudine's nerves just a little.

Not only have Maya's actions begun to embarrass and distract her, but everything is beginning to feel awfully superficial as well. She's become completely different from the more genuine girl Claudine had fallen for in the first place, and instead now Maya seems to be forcing some kind of guise in order to keep hold of her affections.

In short, it's all becoming a bit much, even for Tendo Maya.

Claudine decides to talk to her privately about it tonight when they're alone together again.

So she bears with the umbrella being held over her head and the roses on her desk and the poems being read to her at lunchtime and the extravagant dances to show her off at practice.

But then, Maya does something that raises the bar just a little too high, so that Claudine can't possibly stay silent any longer.

After practice that day, Maya had changed quickly and hurried off on her own, leaving Claudine behind with their friends to wonder what she was doing.

"Beats me," Futaba says. "She's been goin' crazy this week, Kuro. You gonna talk to her or what?"

"Tonight," Claudine assures her.

"Good. Cuz it's kinda gettin' outta hand."

"I would have to agree," Kaoruko says. "It was nice the first day or two, but now it's all beginning to feel awfully stale."

Claudine grimaces; for even Kaoruko to be thinking that way, she knows she has to draw the line now. The next time she sees Maya, she intends to set her straight.

Or so she'd thought.

But the second she steps foot outside the building, Claudine understands she's going to have to put up with at least one more of Maya's extraordinary gestures. She doesn't really have a choice.

Because, standing in front of the school's doors waiting for her, surrounded by a flock of squealing swooning girls, sits Tendo Maya on the back of a silver stallion.

Claudine's jaw drops, and the second Futaba and Kaoruko see what's going on, they both choke.

"What the-?!"

"Oh my-"

Claudine is speechless as she looks at the scene before her. Most might think it dreamlike, but at this point it's almost like a ridiculous nightmare. Maya is seated in the saddle holding the reins, smiling handsomely down at Claudine before offering her hand.

"My dearest Claudine. I was able to borrow this horse from the equestrian club for the afternoon. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me for a ride?"

And Claudine nearly shuts her down right then and there, and she would have if not for the chorus of shouts and squeals that rise up from the girls around her.

"Oh my gosh!"

"How romantic!"

"That's amazing!"

And Claudine manages to take a breath. She wouldn't want to - literally - knock Maya off her high horse here in front of the entire school. What she wants to discuss must be done in private.

Therefore, after finally closing her mouth once the shock has worn off a bit, Claudine slowly reaches up her hand to accept Maya's. Maya helps her climb onto the horse, seating Claudine in the front of the saddle so Maya can wrap both arms around her to keep her secure. She steers the stallion and turns him toward the fields reserved specifically for the equestrian club, and together Maya and Claudine ride off.

For the remainder of the afternoon, Maya parades Claudine around on the horse until her time is up and she returns it to the equestrian club. But Claudine can't even address the matter with Maya on their walk back to Starlight Hall due to the groups of girls who now seem to be constantly nearby, waiting to see Maya's next romantic gesture.

But Claudine knows for a fact that she won't be able to take another evening of romanced homework sessions, dinners, and showers like this. Therefore, the second they step into Starlight Hall, Claudine grabs Maya by the hand and begins tugging her away from the onlookers.

"Come with me."

Maya happily follows.

"But of course. You needn't ask, Saijou-san. I shall follow you to the ends of the earth."

Claudine struts all the way back to her room, pulls Maya inside, and locks the door behind them. Once they're alone, she draws in a breath, then leads Maya to the bed a little more calmly.

"Have a seat, Maya."

Maya does as instructed. Claudine sits down beside her and is quiet for a moment, thinking over what exactly she wants to say, and how. In the meantime, Maya puts on a small frown and reaches out to touch her hand.

"Claudine? Is everything all right? You seem troubled."

Claudine places her other hand over Maya's and finally meets her eyes.

"Troubled… might be an accurate word. Sort of."

"Eh?" Maya's eyes widen in the beginnings of panic. "What-"

"Hold on. Just… let me explain." Claudine draws in another breath, and in spite of the messy feeling inside her chest, she comes clean. "Listen, Maya… I know this… and by 'this' I mean our relationship, is exciting for you. Trust me, it's exciting for me, too. If it could just be… a bit more normal…"

Maya blinks, clearly not understanding. With a sigh, Claudine elaborates.

"Maya… I know what you've been doing all week. The umbrellas, the flowers, the poems, the horse… Plenty of our classmates are dating and in relationships too, but you've never seen any of them do those sorts of things for one another."

"But-" Maya says. "But, Claudine, I want to-"

"Shh." Claudine gently presses her finger to Maya's lips. "Just let me finish. I understand exactly why you've been doing these things. It's because you're Tendo Maya, isn't it? Because the person you've chosen to be with, and who's chosen to be with you, deserves the absolute best. Isn't that right?"

Maya doesn't say anything, but her eyes confirm the assumption. Claudine scooches a little closer to her, still holding Maya's hand in her lap, and continues.

"And I appreciate the notion. I really do, Maya. But… I don't need all of this. Don't get me wrong, it was all very nice, to a certain degree. You did very well in trying to be the perfect princely character, just like in all those plays you've been reading and watching and studying."

"Eh? How did you-?"

"I'm not a fool. I notice things," Claudine muses. "And I know you've been doing all of these extravagant things for me in order to impress me, in order to show off and be as romantic as possible for me. And again, I appreciate it. But it's really not necessary, Maya. I don't need you showing off to the whole school every waking moment just to understand that you like me. I know that you're Tendo Maya, but I hate to break it to you that you aren't perfect, and I don't need you to be. And I don't need a 'perfect' relationship, either."

Here, she pauses, waiting until she can look Maya in the eyes. Claudine smiles.

"I just need you, Maya. The real you. I know it's the exact opposite of what you grew up being told, but you don't need to be perfect. Not for me. You can be as clumsy and awkward as you want. In fact… that more genuine side of you is what I fell for in the first place. Of course you're beautiful, and graceful, and dedicated, and strong, and ambitious… But you're also a bit dense, a bit clueless, a bit childish. I like those parts of you. So don't try to hide them away, all right?"

As she finishes, Claudine feels as if a small weight has been lifted.

Maya stares back at her, then blinks, which seems to ground her in the reality of the moment.

"I… I see…" she murmurs. "You're absolutely right, Claudine. All this time, I've been-"

"It's all right. So long as you understand now."

Maya nods.

"I do. I very much do, Claudine."

"Then good." Claudine opens her arms and pulls Maya into a simple hug. Maya embraces her back, resting her chin on her shoulder.

"I apologize if.. anything I've done this past week has made you feel pressured or uncomfortable in any way."

"Don't worry about any of that. Most of it was quite nice, actually. Just… maybe the rarity of it would make it feel a bit more special."

"Of course." Maya tightens her hold on her. "From now on, I shall keep such lavish things to only special occasions."

"Merci."

A moment passes, and both girls feel whatever fuzziness that's been clogging their chests melt away, until their hearts are beating comfortably together. When they ease apart, Claudine leans in to kiss her, letting Maya know she didn't do anything wrong. Maya kisses her back in relief.

At last, they let go of one another and get up from the bed.

"Now that that's settled," Claudine says. "Care to join me for supper?" She offers her hand, and Maya accepts.

"I would like nothing more."

And from then on, their relationship progresses as normal, with still a few casual romantic gestures, touches, and words exchanged here and there. They don't flaunt things as much in front of other people, and instead save their more intimate moments for whenever they've got time alone.

And in this imperfectly perfect manner, Maya and Claudine nurture their newfound romance into something truly wonderful.

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A/N: We never get tired of the 'how they started dating' type of thing, right? Not for these two! Maya always trying to be super extra, but Claudine just wanting something perfectly normal. So long as the good communication exists, all will be fine!

Here's to another year of Mayakuro!