Secret Starlights (ch3)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $20+ PATRONS!

Adding this little thing into this little fic, since it's sort of more of a 'rare pair/ot3'. Got inspired by Eleventh on twitter for these three! Just something very quick and cute.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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						Chapter 3.

It's just another Saturday afternoon when Mahiru approaches Claudine in the dorms with a request.

"I wanted to try and make some homemade baumkuchen for Tendo-san!" she beams. "Do you think you could keep her occupied for a little while?"

Claudine blinks in surprise, but a smile quickly appears on her face.

"Bien sûr! Leave it to me, Mahiru!"

"Thanks, Kuro-chan! I'll text you when it's ready!" Mahiru shows her appreciation by leaving a soft peck on Claudine's cheek, then scurries off to the kitchen area to get started.

Not a moment later, Claudine turns to the sound of Maya emerging from her dorm room, dressed casually for the day. Maya smiles right away upon seeing her.

"Good afternoon, Saijou-san. Have you finished your assignments?"

"Oui, bien sûr."

"Then would you perhaps care to spend some time together with Tsuyuzaki-san?" It wasn't often the three of them were all free at once.

But Claudine has already thought up an excuse.

"Mahiru already went into town shopping," she sighs. "We've just missed her."

Maya frowns.

"That is a shame. Then what would you say to preparing a snack together for when she returns?"

Claudine grimaces, lightly tangled in the web of innocent white lies. But more than anything, her heart is warmed by just how considerate her girlfriends are of each other. But since Mahiru had asked her first and Claudine was already in cahoots with her, she has to deny Maya's request.

"That sounds wonderful," she says. "But actually, I was wondering if you could help me with something first. And as soon as we're done, we can make something for Mahiru. How does that sound?"

Maya's smile returns as she dips her head.

"Very well. What is it I can assist you with today, Saijou-san?"

"Oh, just that dance we did yesterday in class. Here, come with me."

Claudine takes Maya by the hand and brings her into her dorm room so she'll be able to keep an eye on her. The last thing she needs is Maya slipping away from her, only to pass the lounge and find Mahiru there and spoil the surprise.

Once they're both inside her bedroom, Claudine feigns needing help on yesterday's dance for a while as Maya guides her through it. Claudine deliberately makes a few blunders; even though it's killing her pride to have Maya correcting her, it's all for the sake of Mahiru's surprise.

After they've gone over the dance for a while, Maya lets her go.

"That should do for now," she says. "Shall we go make something for Tsuyuzaki-san before she comes back?"

Claudine scrambles for an excuse to stay put.

"Ah, actually…" She flinches, reaching up to grip her shoulder. "Suddenly I think I've pulled something…"

Maya frowns, and her brow furrows with concern.

"Oh my. Are you all right?" Maya gently takes her by the hand and brings Claudine to the bed. "Please have a seat. Perhaps a brief massage might help?"

Claudine blushes, feeling a bit guilty about taking up so much time when Maya doesn't know she's delaying for Mahiru.

Maya climbs onto the bed behind Claudine and lifts herself up onto her knees, lightly placing her hands on her partner's shoulders. In truth, Claudine is absolutely fine, and she feels even more guilty for having Maya do something like this for her when it isn't necessary at all. But Maya is all too happy to help.

"Please relax and breathe deeply," she coaxes her. "And let me know if you feel any pain."

"Sure…" Claudine sighs, trying to justify her actions to herself so she won't feel quite so selfish.

Maya kneads her fingers gently into her shoulders and the side of her neck, assuaging away the general stiffness from not having a proper workout today. Claudine can't help but lean back into her touch.

"How are you feeling?" Maya asks.

"Wonderful," Claudine sighs. "Merci."

"It is my pleasure."

Maya carefully massages her shoulders for a few moments longer, until at last Claudine feels her phone vibrate in her sweatshirt pocket. She sneaks a peek to confirm the text from Mahiru that the baumkuchen is ready. Claudine lets out a sigh of relief and slouches back into Maya's touch.

"That's perfect. Merci, Tendo Maya."

Maya hugs her from behind for a moment, then tilts Claudine's head back so Maya may leave a soft kiss on her forehead.

"As I've said, it was my pleasure."

Claudine reaches up to cup her face and bring her down for another kiss, this time to her lips.

"All right, then," she says as they part. "Now come with me." Claudine stands and takes Maya's hand, then leads her across the room and out the door. Maya follows along while giving a squeeze to her hand.

"Shall we perhaps make something to surprise Tsuyuzaki-san?"

"Well, someone's going to be getting a surprise."

"Eh?"

Before Maya can inquire any further, Claudine brings her to the lounge, where a delectable scent is already drifting through the air. The moment they enter and round the threshold, Mahiru is ready and waiting for them with a huge smile.

"Ta-dah! Surprise, Tendo-san!"

On the counter in front of Mahiru is an entire plate of freshly-made rolls of baumkuchen, still warm and beautifully golden-brown.

Maya doesn't even have the chance to be surprised to see that Mahiru is actually here at the dorms before her gaze falls to the food. Immediately her eyes begin to sparkle and her lips curve up into a huge smile. She nearly starts glowing.

Claudine grins too, giving Maya a soft pat on the back.

"And there you have it."

Maya looks up at her, at Mahiru, back at Claudine, and back at the baumkuchen again like a confused and excited puppy. Mahiru explains.

"I asked Kuro-chan to distract you while I made them," she beams. "She did a great job! Now let's all taste-test them!"

Maya looks at Claudine again, still delightedly dumbfounded. Claudine gives her a firmer push.

"Go! They're for you, after all!" As Claudine nudges her from behind, Mahiru scurries over to grab Maya's hands and pull her forward.

"Tell me what you think, Tendo-san!"

The three of them gather around the plate of fresh baumkuchen to admire the treats.

"Incroyable! Mahiru, they look and smell amazing!" Claudine leans in to leave a peck on her cheek. Mahiru blushes.

"Thanks! But what matters most is how they taste! Will you have the first bite, Tendo-san?"

"Eh?" Maya blinks. "Is that all right? But you worked so hard on them-"

"Not at all!" Mahiru shakes her head. "They're for you!"

"Go ahead," Claudine encourages her. "Before they get cold."

Maya gives an excited little nod before reaching out for the top baumkuchen roll. She picks it up carefully as though it is some great treasure.

But to Maya, it truly is. It's her favorite treat, made and kept secret by the combined efforts of her girlfriends.

Maya cradles the roll gently and admires it for a moment longer, breathing in the scent before finally taking the first bite. The flavors flood her mouth all at once, and she even lets out a soft squeal.

Claudine chuckles, while Mahiru gives an excited little bounce.

"Well? How is it?"

Maya puts a hand to her face, her cheeks flushed and lips curled into a smile of absolute bliss. Once she swallows, she looks brightly up at Mahiru.

"Tsuyuzaki-san, they're delicious. The texture is flawless, and the flavor is simply delectable. It's fluffy and chewy with the perfect consistency. Truly amazing."

Mahiru's whole face turns pink.

"Wow! That's some high praise! I'm so glad you like them!"

"Well done, Mahiru," Claudine gives her a pat on the back. "You should enjoy yourself, too."

"You too, Kuro-chan!"

So they all pick up a roll and eat together, humming and enjoying themselves while leaning against each other. Mahiru and Claudine only eat one each and then split a second, but they leave the majority for Maya to enjoy.

Though, after Maya has finished her third and gone for a fourth, Claudine casually pulls her a step back before she can grab it.

"Easy there. Don't give yourself a stomachache." She then leans a bit closer to whisper to Maya. "And besides, I think our chef deserves a bit more praise, wouldn't you say?"

Maya lifts her head seriously.

"You are absolutely right."

Claudine lets her go so Maya can turn to Mahiru and take both of her hands.

"Tsuyuzaki-san, thank you very much!" Maya throws herself forward into a bow. Mahiru squeaks.

"T-Tendo-san?!"

"You don't have to be that dramatic!" Claudine says.

Maya lifts herself up again, but continues in earnest.

"Truly, this was a wonderful surprise. And these may just be the best baumkuchen I've ever eaten."

"E-Eh?" Mahiru blushes deeper and deeper at the praise. "Th-That can't be…"

"I am being entirely honest," Maya assures her.

Mahiru casts Claudine a flustered look, to which Claudine can only shrug in return. Eventually, Mahiru reels herself in and laughs.

"Well then, I'm very glad you like them so much, Tendo-san!"

Mahiru gives Maya's hands a tug, pulling her in a bit to leave a soft kiss on her cheek. It's a rare instance where Maya is the one to blush, and Claudine drinks in the sight of it.

Maya then quietly wraps her arms around Mahiru in a fiercely-joyful hug. Mahiru giggles and hugs her back, nuzzling Maya's cheek.

After a moment, Maya eases away and her eyes wander hopefully back to the two remaining rolls on the plate. Claudine heaves a sigh.

"If you get a stomachache, don't come crying to us."

Maya simply nods and picks up one of the last rolls to bite into it. Claudine steps in to Mahiru's side and takes her hand as they watch Maya enjoy this treat like a child on Christmas morning.

"This was a great idea, Mahiru."

"I'm glad! Thanks for distracting her, Kuro-chan! I couldn't have made this surprise a success without you!" Mahiru cups her girlfriend's cheek and pecks her lips sweetly. Claudine flushes, and Mahiru giggles. "Kuro-chan, your face looks like a tomato!"

"Mahiru!"

Mahiru giggles louder as Claudine attacks her back by peppering kisses all over her face, all while Maya chews away at her last baumkuchen.

When the treats are all gone, the three girls come together for a warm group hug, passing kisses between each other and smiling all the while.

But of course, by the time they've finished the dishes, Maya has resorted to holding her stomach. Claudine heaves a heavy sigh.

"What did I tell you?"

Maya flinches slightly, but maintains her smile.

"I don't have any regrets."

"Oh, no!" Mahiru frets. "Tendo-san, do you have a stomachache after all?"

"I knew this would happen," Claudine shrugs.

"Well, I guess it's partially my fault for making the things that gave her the stomachache," Mahiru says.

"And then I guess it's also my fault for letting her eat them all," Claudine agrees.

They both move in to Maya's sides and take each of her arms before slowly leading her over to the couch. Claudine and Mahiru sit down first, then they coax Maya to lie down over their laps. Claudine supports Maya's torso while Mahiru gently cradles her head. A cute pink pallor has colored Maya's face and neck.

"Tsuyuzaki-san, Saijou-san, I will be all right-"

"Quiet," Claudine chides her. "Just take a nap." She lays one arm across Maya's hip to keep her from rolling off, then gently rests the other over her stomach to start rubbing in slow, soothing circles.

At the same time, Mahiru rubs one hand over Maya's collar and cards the other through her hair.

"Just relax, Tendo-san. Kuro-chan and I will take good care of you!"

Maya lets out a soft sound and closes her eyes happily. Mahiru giggles as she pets through her bangs, then leans over to leave a kiss on her forehead. At the same time, Claudine continues tracing her palm over Maya's stomach to help the ache. Maya whimpers with relief, her brow loose with relaxation.

"Saijou-san… Tsuyuzaki…san…"

"You know," Claudine murmurs. "You're awfully cute when you're half-asleep, Tendo Maya."

"Tendo-san is always cute! And so are you, Kuro-chan!"

"Hah? Don't you mean that about yourself, Mahiru?"

As the two of them continue pampering Maya, Claudine and Mahiru steal kisses from one another as well.

For several moments, they help soothe Maya's stomachache.

Maya can already feel her consciousness fading along with the ache, and soon the only things she can make sense of are the warm, comforting touches of her girlfriends. It's all she can do to move her hands up to catch one of each of theirs before she lets out one final sigh.

Mahiru and Claudine drop their voices into a whisper.

"Oh! I think she fell asleep."

"She's heavy… But I guess we can't move now, can we?"

Mahiru keeps one hand supporting Maya's head and the other holding her hand, but she leans over to kiss Claudine's cheek one more time before leaning her head on her shoulder.

"We should nap too, Kuro-chan."

Claudine hums her agreement. She lifts Maya's hand to her lips to kiss it before setting it back down onto her stomach, then wraps her other arm around Mahiru's back. She plants a light kiss on Mahiru's head, then rests against her with a happy sigh.

In only a matter of minutes, the two of them have drifted off as well, breathing softly in time with Maya, who remains peacefully asleep in their laps.

The three of them sleep soundly, with the faint scent of baumkuchen still lingering in the air.

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A/N: My main idea was to have Claudine and Mahiru rub Maya's tummy for her after she ate too much. Figured it might as well be homemade baumkuchen!

These three are really cute and fun together... I like it.