Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Maya was a well read person. And as such, she took deep pride in being as culturally knowledgeable as any stage girl should be; this, added up to her mother's insistence on foreign studies (something about understanding her audience's traditions) had led her to comprehend many of the behaviours that most of her classmates deemed ill-bred. Seisho was, after all, an internationally renowned school, to grow accustomed to the peculiarity of some of its abroad students was just another requirement. And as usual, Maya excelled.

However, there was a detail, as there so often is. An exception if you will, and as more often than not, that exception had a name.

Maya knew better, it was not unheard of in any manner, she had even known of some cases in the upper classes, therefore, after careful study it should have provided her with no problem. As some of her troupe would address it, the matter was to be treated as no big deal. Yes, Maya knew better, so she pushed it to the back of her mind and gave absolutely no second thought to the situation she had found herself in for the last few months. However, if asked, only if asked, Maya could pinpoint the exact moment where it all went down. It had all been that moment, and even the remembrance of how it had happened made her head feel dizzy at best, as if the room was suddenly all too hot again. She pulled a bit at the ribbon of her uniform, in hopes of loosening it a bit.

- I, for once, find it rather amusing.- Kaoruko smiled lazily. - It's always entertaining to see another unsuspecting target of Saijo-san.-

- Heh, she can be tad touchy. And don't give that look! You said so too.- Futaba rushed.

Maya looked elsewhere, trying not to seem overly eager at someone else bringing the topic to the table.

- It's simply a matter of culture.- Junna pointed out.- In France they are far more physical than in most oriental cultures.- she pushes her glasses up, as if she had just disclosed a vital piece of missing information.

Maya, of course, already knew that.

That is evident enough, was the first thing that came to her; Claudine, after all, had always been proud of her French heritage and made no show of trying to hide it in any manner. She always took it proudly, “I have stood out my whole life, I don't see how I should be treating this any differently!” she had told Maya once she had asked about the matter. She had admired her resolve at the time, but for now, she was starting to resent her partner´s openness regarding said upbringing.

- Is it true they also kiss to wish good morning and night?-

Maya started coughing uncontrollably as soon as Karen posed the question. She received a couple of curious glances but was quickly aided by Banana who handed her a glass of water.

- That is in fact a common misunderstanding.- Junna continued, clearly pleased at providing some insight. She continued on how it was nothing out of the ordinary, and Maya despised whoever had brought up the conversation a bit more. - It holds no romantic connotation and in most cases it's a matter of respect.-

Maya toyed with her glass and decided she wasn't overly fond of that habit in particular.

- No to worry though!- the class president added as a last note when the girls started to whisper. - The kisses are customarily in the cheek, so there is no chance anyone here will end up accidentally making out with Saijo Claudine.-

Kaoruko snickered as Maya started choking again.

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Class A is waiting for the play to begin, and while everyone else is running from one place to another, engaging in nervous chatter, or almost shaking due to the weight of it all, Maya feels the usual warmth when she spots Claudine near the curtains. Her expression is steeled but determined, proud, and Maya realizes she must be smiling as she is greeted with a roll of eyes on her behalf.

She looks regal in her Flora attire and Maya is sure they must make quite the piece only by standing together on stage. She feels almost giddy, everything is coming together, she lifts her hand towards her and smiles disarmingly. There is no one else she would share the spotlight with.

- I wish you the best of luck out there, Saijo-san.-

She remembers thinking it was bold, this exchange. It was the thrill of the competition, seeing her right before the play, before they melt into their roles, she holds her hand a bit higher, expecting for her rival to take it. It was a challenge, but with something more sincere sprinkled over it. Playful. What goes next is something Maya has committed to memory far better than most plays she´s been in.

A hand is snaking across her side and before she can do something it takes a firm hold on her shoulder, her chest tightens as she feels Claudine drawing closer. Now she sees blonde hair cascading over her robes as her other hand is moving brushing aside some brown strands framing Maya's face. The latter tries to cast a glance to their sides, panic rising in her throat, but she stops in her tracks when she feels Claudine´s warm breath against her ear. It's horrifyingly efficient, Maya is stuck in place.

- I haven´t lost yet.-

It would have been foolish to say Maya was merely spellbound before, but she was downright starstruck at the moment. Claudine squeezed her shoulder a bit harder and then she pressed even closer against her, Maya´s heartbeat spiked as she felt her own hands starting to reach out, but then, just as if she hadn't permanently altered her brain chemistry, Claudine pulled back. Leaving her stunned and relying on her years long mastery of acting to salvage her role and dignity during the play, as whenever Claudine would take her hands or even brush her fingers against her in any way, Maya´s mind came reeling back, with alarming speed, to backstage some minutes ago.

It wasn't until Claudine´s french accent took over in their after-play euphoria, that Maya saw it with some sense of clarity again. It was not unheard of in any manner, she had even known of some cases in the upper classes, therefore, after careful study it should have provided her with no problem. As some of her troupe would address it, the matter was to be treated as no big deal. And, yes, Maya knew better, so she tried to push it to the back of her mind, but after that night, she could have sworn that to her, Claudine was shining more than ever.

Chapter Text

After the unfortunate conversation, Maya was left feeling something entirely new, it was unlike anything the young promise had ever faced before and she was sure she would think back to it whenever she was asked to emulate despair, agony or any of the atrocious emotions that she was trying to associate with this new and acrid taste.

It dawned on her two days later. She was feeling self-conscious.

Alongside this change, came side effects as well, since she now found herself staring at Claudine almost as much as she knew the other girl stared at her. It was maddening, she would stare at the back of Claudine´s head during class, she would stare at her figure while she danced, and she would even stare at her hands whenever she was showing Maya something she had found in her phone. Each time Claudine stood unnecessarily close to do any of these things Maya would feel her stomach tighten, and then the feeling would crash like a wave.

She would find herself standing a bit straighter, or trying to fix the little hairs that kept falling to her face or even just leaning in a bit forward in order to show the proper amount of interest. Perhaps it was customary in France to reciprocate the same level of closeness. Maya figured out it was the case and so, she committed, while she fixed her collar she'd dare to tower slightly over Claudine´s shoulder as they read their lines, or whenever she picked up her own bag and handed her partner hers she´d let their fingers brush.

At first Maya contemplated she must be doing something right, as she had been earning less glares and more glances on Claudine´s behalf. Sometimes said looks were even completely unrelated to any practice or play, questioning in most cases, as if she wasn´t completely sure this wasn´t a trick or another of Maya´s over the top ways of challenge. But then, Claudine would just go and sit beside her (not without drawing their chairs closer together first) and look at her like she was trying to piece together a puzzle. Maya would feel the waves of consciousness hit her then, as Claudine's eyes danced along her expression, scanning her. But a win was a win, and it never left Maya not feeling a swell of pride bubbling low in her gut.

She was figuring it out bit by bit, no doubt Claudine was impressed by her openness and ability of managing cultural differences. Only the thought of it made her feel a little smug, she was also sure that after a while Claudine would notice the effort into it, eventually ending up begrudgingly admitting her appreciation for the gesture, as she so regularly did.

One day, however, Maya miscalculated, it was like missing a mark and falling down. They had been sitting down with their friends in a small patch of grass in a nearby park, and while they laughed at yet another of Karen's occurrences, Claudine had reached to show her a picture she´ d just taken of their friends. Maya's response had simply been to lean closer and switch the camera to snap a quick photo of the both of them, then she´d turned to Claudine with a winning smile. Her partner's reaction´s could have been best described as… abashed, Maya tilted her head, feeling suddenly all too shy.

A loud whistle was heard throughout their little picnic and Claudine quickly scrambled and glared, not without pushing a confused Maya aside, much to the delight of an amused Kaoruko. Throughout the rest of the outing Claudine had not reached out to show her anything again, but Maya caught her staring and gripping at her phone a bit harder than usual a couple of times.

That might have been the other moment Maya could blame for her current predicament. As for when she was getting ready for bed that night, her phone chimed. This was peculiar enough, it was late, and no one ever asked for her notes at this hour. She picked up and was surprised to read “Saijo-san” as the little bubble popped up. The next thing that showed up in her chat was nothing else than the afternoon´s picture.

Maya chuckled as she flopped on the bed, she rolled on her back and looked closer at it, Claudine was sporting that confused and fierce expression Maya knew betrayed surprise as she turned to Maya's wide smile for the camera. She looked really cute. Maya rolled again and kicked her legs as she headed for her phone´s settings, she chuckled once more and then left her phone on the nightstand.

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Claudine had stared.

Ever since Maya had checked her phone and the French actress had gotten a peak at her new wallpaper, Claudine had stared at her. Sometimes frowning, others opening and clothing her mouth before muttering a string of curses under her breath. Maya did not understand where this reaction was coming from, and to be totally honest it didn´t really matter, as there was no way she was going to take their picture down.

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Maybe she should have, well, she most definitely should have, as for the days that came, all of Maya´s efforts had plummeted down to the sheer force that was no one other than Saijo Claudine. As part of her studies on the way Claudine behaved herself, Maya had of course taken into account cases that were not her own, and in the middle of these cases was none other than Hoshimi Junna.

Claudine has always been closer to the troupe than Maya was, not to say they weren´t near, but it was simply a fact that not only did she have a less intimidating presence but she was also friendlier in many ways. However, Maya had just recently started to realize their interactions; it was true that the class president had always been a bit wary of her place in the team, but fortunately the rest of the troupe had always been there to reassure her, including of course, Claudine.

It had been a day after a little accident had happened in class, where Junna´s voice had faltered in the middle of a note and if the color of her cheeks was anything to go by, she was extremely embarrassed. In order to take her mind off things, Banana has decided to plan a movie night to cheer their friend up, and Maya was not the one to refuse, but when she crossed the hall later that afternoon (already in her pajamas) she was surprised to see some of their team members already there.

Karen was talking Hikari and Mahiru up over choosing some movie that to Maya's (admittedly very limited) artistic sensibilities reminded of a fever dream. Banana was apparently setting some snacks in trays, and when Maya headed her way with the intention to lend a hand she realized that both Claudine and Junna had already arrived as well. They were comfortably seated on the couch, with the latter listening to Claudine´s no doubt emboldened speech on how failure is the fastest way of learning.

She nodded to Banana as the taller girl smiled and handed her a couple of bowls to be set on the table, Maya followed as instructed and sat at the other couch doing her best not to cut both the conversations held. She felt Banana sit on her right and by the way she took out her phone and sent a couple of quick texts, she imagined she was summoning Futaba and the blue devil to the common room, so they could begin their movie night.

As if on cue, Claudine made a movement to accentuate one of her statements, and as a true actress, she commanded Maya´s attention upon her. She observed she had a particular way of getting her messages through to people, that was something Maya admired, her sincerity, the way she believed what she was saying and she pushed you to do the same. Her movements were curt, straight to the point, no added flourish but still with an aimed perfection, effective, polished.

- Tendo-san?-

- Hm-

- Maya!-

She snapped back to Banana when she felt a tentative tap on her shoulder.

- Tendo-san? Are you alright?- her brow furrowed in concern. - It's the third time I ask about your training today?- she glanced over Maya´s shoulder.

She felt color rush to her cheeks, her palms clammy, but relaxed when Banana looked at her with a comprehensive smile.

- She looks better, doesn´t she?- her gaze was bordering on affection and it took Maya a second to realize they were talking about Junna here. - I was hoping tonight would lift her mood, but it seems like a pep-talk was more than enough!-

She let out a sigh.

- She has more resilience than we realize, you know?- she turned her eyes to Maya, who wasn't quite sure what to do in these situations. - And I don't think I've ever heard of anyone who didn't feel at least a bit better after a hug from Saijo-san.- She winked.

The sound of the opening door saved Maya from the strange conversation, as Kaoruko and Futaba crossed the hall and popped themselves on the couch without taking a break from their usual bickering. They stopped timely however, as soon as Futaba raised her arm and Kauroko fell accordingly against her partner in their usual resting positions. Maya felt her eyes drift to her own partner.

- Sorry guys. Someone was not above being dragged out of bed.- Futaba grumbled while she laid her head against the back of the couch with an apologetic sigh.

Kauroko shifted against her, but didn´t bother to refute.

- It´s all good! You are here now, we can all watch Trolls!- Karen flashed them a toothy grin.

- Oh non!- Claudine ruffled Karen´s hair as she chuckled. -Pas si vite, sauterelle. We watched that one last week, you are not getting your way this time!-

Karen laughed good naturedly as she tried to escape Claudine´s grip.- But it´s a great musical! And I want to sing!-

- I happen to be certain that as theater students we can surely enjoy a musical that isn't Trolls.- Junna came to aid with a deadpan.

- That´s the spirit!- Futaba quickly grabbed the controller and scrolled through the selection available.

To be totally honest Maya wasn´t really paying attention, she would always leave the movie choosing tasks to her friends, they got into some really heated discussions over them. Plus, she had always seen most of the ones they picked anyway; on this particular occasion though, even Hikari and Mahiru seemed interested in the musical for the evening. Kaoruko lifted her head a couple of times. But as much input as everyone seemed to be adding, no progress was made in the search.

- This is taking too loooong- Kaoruko complained.

Pretty much everyone voiced their agreement, and sharp as ever, Claudine took the lead. Her eyes glimmered as she stood straighter and puffed out her chest in pride, too pleased with herself at finding the solution.

- Moulin Rouge.- she declared.

Maya raised an eyebrow, she had to admit that one had been in her watchlist for a while, but she had always found a suitable excuse to avoid it until now. The biggest of said excuses just turned around as the rest of their troupe either nodded or gave up and agreed. Then, she pressed “play” and as the opening number played on, Maya found herself engrossed in a very different actress than the one who played Satine.

At first she tried to be subtle and avoid giving herself away, but since Claudine was too fixated on the movie to notice her, Maya allowed herself some indulgence. It really was a different picture than the one she was used to, the limelight made her look almost far away, and the red tones constantly on screen flattered her looks. She was mentally tracing the profile of her nose when the movie took a faster pace, and oblivious to her scrutiny Claudine gasped, eyes to her lips Maya could see them parting, the first seat looked away in a frenzy. That felt like seeing something she wasn't supposed to, and Maya didn't even know why!

She pouted as she tried to reign herself in, the now usual waves of unease threatening to drown her. The matter was getting out of hand, but then again, Claudine shifted, and like a moth to a flame, Maya's gaze followed suit. The French actress threw her arm around Junna as she pointed at an actress who had the same vocal range as her; the encouragement seemed to do wonders as Junna could barely contain her smile when she looked back at their friend.

Purple zeroed on Claudine´s arm, both girls were back at staring at the screen, but her posture remained. Maya felt her brow pinch and an itchy feeling ran her over as the movie went on and that fact remained, she frowned a bit harder, troubled, and as if sheer determination would change a thing. She huffed, the nerve, and Junna appeared unbothered, as if she no longer felt the arm circling her, Maya didn't buy it, there was no way she was this unaffected at that level of uncalled physical intimacy. Maya had worked hard to attain her facade, and yet here she was, witnessing the biggest of these gestures to the date and her case of study was as comfortable as they get.

Too comfortable for Maya´s liking. And most importantly, why couldn´t Maya achieve this ease? After all, it was her partner we are talking about.

Claudine raised an eyebrow. Maya´s eyes widened slightly when she realized she had been caught. She swallowed, frozen in place again. She felt her cheeks heating up with embarrassment, Claudine held her gaze, eyebrow still raised and face neutral outside of slight skepticism. They stayed still for a second and Maya felt her muscles starting to protest; she could only wonder what Claudine would be making out of the situation. Maya swallowed again, maybe she noticed, maybe she didn´t, but a moment later, expression unchanged and with astounding normalcy Claudine stuck her tongue out to her.

Maya recoiled, immediately, dignified indignation surfacing at the childish gesture. Seemingly entertained at the rare expression she had spurred, Claudine smiled, it was easy, warm, and surprisingly enough, soft around the edges.

Maya´s jaw dropped a little at the sight.

Lights were suddenly on, and the movie was paused. Maya groaned as she tried to shield her eyes with her hand as best as she could, similar sounds of discontent were heard across the room but Kaoruko was having none of it.

- Snack break.- she imposed.

And with that she, Futaba, Banana and Junna disappeared into the kitchen, taking the trays that Maya had only now realized were empty. Karen was all but jumping on her place, trying to get Mahiru, who had already seen the end of the film to spoil the end of it. Her excitability made Maya smile, the emotion of someone witnessing a play (because at the end of it all, what was a movie but a distant cousin to theater?) always made her heart a bit lighter.

She looked up, still smiling, and realized that she was being stared at now, maybe she had never stopped. It was the same smile, closed lips, eyes wrinkled, relaxed, calm , and fond.

Fond

Maya stood up abruptly, everyone turned to her, questions and concern clear at the sudden movement but she quickly excused herself to the restroom. Her acting too poor if you ask her.

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When she was back everyone was already sitting, lights out and movie about to restart, they signaled for her to join, and she was relieved to see that no one remembered her little scene. About to head for the couches she saw Junna sitting next to Banana, both excitedly discussing something or the other about the script for the film.

She frowned, new seat placement. Turning to find a place for herself she realized the option was evident, everyone seemed to be following their usual groupment and she much preferred this option than to be side by side with Kaoruko. Still feeling a slight humming in her ears, Maya sat by Claudine's right. Funnily enough, even after her previous embarrassment, it came naturally, and while Moulin Rouge played, Maya found herself comfortably sitting and, for once, following the movie. She has almost forgotten about the arm incident, almost.

Satine and Christian were in another heated argument, they were soon to delve into song, she was sure. And just about when he started to vocalize, someone pressed her shoulder against hers, almost timidly; it would be a lie to pretend that not everything inside her was doing somersaults, but be it practiced self-control or spite for others demonstrations of restraint Maya stayed put.

The song ended and several sighs were heard, but Maya could not, for the life of her, remember a single word of the number. She turned slightly to her left, and careful not to clue anyone in, she whispered as low and calm as she could. It came out more breathless than intended.

- Saijo-san?-

Her partner shuddered. But outside of that, she kept looking to the front, Maya was about to do the same, convinced she was not going to gauge an answer when, without any warning Claudine laid her head against her shoulder. Maya held her breath.

- Not a word.-

Maya could hear the frown in her voice, but she happily complied, a lazy smile settling in, she didn´t think they would come out even if she tried anyway. The movie ended and at some point, Claudine had slumped down completely by her side, almost snuggling against her and making Maya wonder if she had fallen asleep at certain scenes.

If there had been a clue that maybe she wasn't handling the cultural differences all that well it might have been the thunderous beating of her heart or the sound of blood on her ears, but Maya could not have a repeat of public humiliation as it had been to excuse herself in a hurry with poor excuses. She was a Tendo, she was better than that, and so, for that reason, and for only that reason, she made sure she was the one next to Claudine each time they sat by the couch.

God forbid she fell asleep over someone else, she might drool over them even. It was decided, Maya would sit by her side, only to save some face for the both of them.

Chapter Text

Maya was never one to accept defeat, not that anyone had ever come close anyway. Yet here she was, serving as support for Claudine's elbow, as the girl struggled to fit her shoes before they went for a morning run. She had come to the conclusion that this had to be some elaborate ruse, like the ones her partner always accused her of playing.

After careful consideration Maya had come to realize she wasn't really bothered by the nature of it, but more at her apparent inability to one up her opponent. She had to give it to her, her challenge was well crafted; every time Maya continued to try and match her, Claudine would find another way to catch her off guard. And then this treacherous feeling would come in, like Maya had something stuck on her throat and her chest would cave in.

She held her water bottle a bit tighter, she couldn't lose.

Oh, what would Claudine think of her if she did?

- Putain de merde.- she cursed as she continued to struggle.- You finished reading what I gave you?-

Maya snapped out of it.

She had been very pointedly looking somewhere else and thus surprised to be addressed directly. She cleared her throat before answering, cheeks still slightly dusted from the warm-ups she had already performed.

- Ah… I, yes.-

Maya considered adding something else, but she was remarkably thirsty.

Claudine finally put both her feet on the ground and then, with a huff, she looked to the front and broke into a pace that Maya was quick to follow. They were barely finishing their first mark when she spoke again.

- So?- she swallowed and wiped some sweat from her brow in a clear motion. -No cheeky comments about it today?-

Maya semi-chuckled, her blood pumping and the adrenaline helping her simmer down. Wonderful what a bit of exercise and morning air could do to get something out of your head.

- I didn't remember you being so invested in my literary opinions, no?- she posed as they reached their second mark.

- Whatever would I give you a book for if I didn't want you to read it, Tendo Maya?- she sounded annoyed, making her almost want to peek. - Plus, we both know you can't help but loving yourself talk.-

Maya wholeheartedly snorted at that one.

- It would seem like I'm not the only one.-

They reached their third mark and stopped to catch their breath, at least Maya could take some pride that she was mostly unscathed, she had been working on her stamina as of late.

- Seriously, you are not getting out of this with a smart comment.-

She looked serious, so much so that Maya, for once, took the easy way out.

- I'm sorry, Claudine, but I'm afraid we shall discuss your book later, we are barely in time for class.-

As intended, her words seemed to stick the landing, and with a roll of her eyes and a groan, Claudine turned for some water. It didn't miss Maya that she looked slightly out of breath. She really needed more running in, maybe it was a good thing that she seemed so invested in accompanying Maya in her own morning routine.

At first, she had been tempted to decline the offer, as when she had put her own effort into… whatever it was Claudine had put her up to, the time the pair spent together only showed to grow evermore. But if there was one thing Claudine would never take, it was a “no”, especially coming from her.

Maya watched her as they entered the corridors towards their first class, she had gained strength since they had first started classes, she could tell from the way Claudine clinged to her shoulders when they danced. She wondered if she was also trying to increase her lung capacity by running; it was always good to aim to be the best, and that was something her partner never lost.

Something Maya admired deeply.

She stopped abruptly before the door when Claudine did, doing her best to hide her surprise at almost bumping against her (so unbecoming).

- Here you are, Tendo Maya, five minutes early, like I promised.-

Her smile was so captivating that Maya struggled to make sense of what she heard.

- Are you not coming in?-

- I do take painting classes, unlike others.- she seemed pleased at Maya´s slip, which made the latter's pride flare up in ways unknown. -Did you seriously forget?-

Maya was once again zoned out as she contemplated a new piece of information.

- You memorized my schedule?- she blurted out before she could catch herself.

Claudine looked defeated at best. Like she was caught red handed, she gulped and sputtered something or the other before swatting at Maya´s arm with more strength than necessary.

- What's it with you and stupid questions today?-

It wasn´t stupid to her, as soon as she was about to make that known, her partner gave her a cautionary glance and squeezed her arm a bit tighter, shutting her up definitely. Another thing she had been doing as of late and that Maya begrudgingly allowed, even if her pride was taking a hit more often than not.

Her courteous resignation must not have been all that silent, upon setting her eyes on Maya's sour expression Claudine couldn't help but grin.

- My, just look at that tantrum, you must have been a terrible thing as a kid.-

Color rushed to her cheeks as she found an appropriate retort.

- I´ll let you know, regardless of your little faith in me, that I was quite cute as a kid, Saijo-san.-

Claudine laughed hard at that, her eyes shut as she tried not to throw her head back and completely disrespect the Top Seat. Maya leaned forward, feeling her own annoyment lifted as Claudine's hand drifted towards her own.

- What happened to you then, Tendo Maya?-

Maya pouted, only succeeding in making the situation all the funnier for the other girl.

The bell rang, and whatever trance she had been some seconds ago came shattering down when she saw the teacher ushering some students into class. She turned back to Claudine when she felt her hands released, then, a soft kiss was pressed against her cheek.

Claudine then left hurriedly towards arts class, the only place she knew Maya would never follow. Maya searched for her eyes desperately as she rushed down the hallway but she didn´t even look back as she entered class.

Heartbeat spiked and nerves on edge, she frowned while she walked into class and answered the teacher´s roll call.

This was more serious than she had previously realized.

Far more so.

- Tendo-san, you quite alright?- Kauroko asked when ten minutes had passed and she continued to stare at nothingness. - You seem… flustered?-

She could already picture the smirk she must be wearing.

Maya turned to her. There must have been something bordering on murderous in her gaze as she was not addressed twice.

Now alone with her ruminations she scribbled down the lectures the teacher was trying to get through to them, but the thought was recurring, if Claudine had memorized her schedule that meant that she was seriously committed to defeating Maya as the Top Seat this year.

Her frown deepened when her pencil broke under the pressure.

It was like this since their first year, everything between them always delved in competition, even in their first meeting Claudine had been direct with her intentions.

Her fingers grazed the part of her cheek that still felt aflame.

Was this it? The one thing Maya couldn´t keep up with?

She snapped her fingers away from the aforementioned spot and buried them in her hair instead. It was too much, the squeezes, the hand holding, the intimacy of it all; it must have been messing with her head. It was no secret she was distracted as of late, thrown off her game even.

Since when had she stopped looking at their rivalry like one?

Call it culture shock, or codes, or whichever seems fit, but she recognized she had panicked more than once in her partner´s proximity as of late. All due to swirling into…inconvienient… thoughts

She swallowed and looked to the front as if finding a still spot might ground her.

Claudine was the only person that pushed Maya to her utmost brilliance, she had proved that to her once and over again, she challenged her in every way and had a brashness and passion that poured out in every role Maya polished with cold perfection. She was, in every sense of the term, her counterpart.

Therefore there was absolutely no one else who could do as their dance partners, no one Maya could compare to her in the slightest anyway, so it was no use. Claudine was the one person who kept up with her, so she had to find a way to do the same. In order to reach their highest they had to be together, the two of them, only like that could Maya see them succeeding in their never sated ambitions.

The bell rang again and the despair rose her throat once again, the finality. She had chosen to be better, to endure, to breach over their differences if only for them to keep complimenting each other as they always had. No matter if Maya was mistaking her actions under a different light, no matter if it sometimes made her want things that she most definitely couldn´t have.

Her things were still being packed when she checked her time tables. Her next class was in the music room, which meant her whole troupe would meet there. She steeled her nerves and stood up, bag already on her shoulders and ready to leave, but she stopped in her tracks when she could make the silhouettes waiting for her outside.

Futaba was laughing about some interpretation of the art teacher that Claudine had no doubt just nailed. Kauroko was also there which meant she was the only missing member before they headed out. Maya held her bag tighter.

Good thing the classroom had another exit.

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Claudine had stared at her when they arrived at the next class, as if she wanted to call her out for something. Maybe it was that she kept her waiting after everyone else had left or that she had chosen another seat for the class, disrupting their habitual order. Or maybe Maya was just overthinking as there was a shadow of worry she failed to notice when she started to fidget with her fingers and her partner caught wind of it.

She saw the little note that was sent her way but made her best effort to pretend to miss it as she was engrossed in a lecture she had already read with weeks of anticipation. Her jaw was tense and her cheeks were still burning, her mind running on how to address her predicament.

Maya was always proud of her dedication, of how she committed to something once she started it. And right now, it was very clear to her that she was playing the role of a coward.

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Not a single glance was exchanged during the following classes that day. Even during interpretation class Maya had made a point of looking at absolutely everyone in the crowd except for her. Sitting positions were also rearranged in a matter of seconds.

Some bewildered looks were exchanged here or there when she had found a fitting excuse for missing lunch with her friends, but she could barely hear them over the buzzing of her nerves making sure she was ready to flee as soon as any question arose.

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They finished the second period of classes and when the teacher dismissed them Maya was the first one on her feet. She heard someone call, but she had no time. She needed to recalculate, to come up with a new strategy and to ground herself so she wouldn´t feel as if she had just been zapped every time she remembered Claudine had waited for her outside of the classroom.

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Of course Claudine had waited for her, she was also waiting for Futaba and Kauroko. How foolish.

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Maya received a single “?” when she missed her morning routine next day.

Chapter Text

While she has never been an addict nor faced anything close to the habits, she might as well be suffering from a withdrawal as far as she sees it. Since she started down this path, Maya feels like everything has more of an edge to it, or maybe it's her nerves. She can´t seem to catch a single second of peace in class now.

She takes a deep breath as she stretches and tries to keep her body from pressing against Claudine´s as much as she can.

It´s torture, blissful torture, but torture nonetheless.

Claudine pushes on her leg a bit further and Maya's breath hitches at the pettiness of the action. She knows her partner is given to take her frustrations out during practice, but it had never affected her until today.

She can´t help but wonder what is troubling her, however she catches herself before she can ask. It surely wouldn't be suspicious to ask her rival what's looming over her, would it?

Claudine hooks Maya´s previously stretched leg over her shoulder, and the thoroughbred stares at her with wide eyes.

She is a second too late before lifting her other leg and starting with its stretches, hoping her sweaty and worked up demeanour compensates her terrible attempt at concealing her embarrassment.

Apparently, staring at the other side of the room does nothing for Claudine´s mood as she pushes against Maya´s leg a bit harsher than needed. Maya fights the groan building up on her throat and looks back at the actress, there is a slight glint of satisfaction in her eyes before it turns to accusation once more.

Maya huffs as Claudine lets go of her and they exchange positions.

Be it any other day Maya would have probably answered the challenge by making her partner bend further down than they usually go, but the guilt is a bigger constraint than originally thought and so, she resorts to being as useful as she can without giving anything other than neutrality. All while she feels Claudine's eyes burning holes through her.

The teacher instructs that they will be done with floor warm ups soon, and Maya feels some relief at the fact, that too must wash up on her face, as she feels Claudine´s heels digging into her back with newfound firmness.

Maya bites the bottom of her lip to avoid any sound. She had gained strength, she had to give her that.

Of course that missing most of her morning routines for a week wasn't doing her a favour either.

They get up and soon enough they are waltzing across the wooden floor, at first Maya is overly conscious of her hand hovering over her partner's lower back, but unaware of her meditations Claudine's body immediately melts into her touch. It comes all so naturally that after some spins and turns she has practically lost any feeling of unrest. It´s coming back to her, how easy it is to be in this little world of their own, hands linked, fingers interlocked and eyes to each other. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

She squeezes Claudine's hand, a gentle reminder, and hopefully, an apology. The fierce look she gets in response is almost enough to break her facade of neutrality.

Claudine´s tunnel vision has always been one of Maya´s favourites.

She´s so close to crashing down.

Their steps pick up speed and so does the hammering in her chest, she can almost taste the victory, it was not for nothing that they were the best. Claudine dips and Maya holds her in place, they linger for an instant, no doubt showing off their magnificent coordination. It has been long since they had the need of any verbal understanding when dancing.

It´s one of their best skills, their teacher would often say, their adaptability and the way they portrayed strength, pride, brilliance. How they commanded enough attention to themselves to keep everyone on their toes, and yet, assure them they owned this and any stage they might want to.

Arrogant, Maya knows, and deep down, she is also aware it will be their downfall. But even in their myriad of interpretations, their dance has always been the same. Someone was going down. It was what made them so powerful, so dynamic. They can't lose, can´t let the other know, know how deeply affected they are, about the stage, about their role, about anything. Because the moment they lose, is the moment they lose each other.

It was as simple as that, a natural succession of facts, once the rival is defeated and the natural order asserts itself it is time to search for another. Someone at your level.

She squeezes harder as they shift into a fishtail.

But she wonders, oh she wonders, while Claudine executes a perfect plié, if it is possible to grow together. To reach for the same star and still achieve happiness. She watches in awe as her partner saunters around, showing off her glissades.

It´s impossible to help the smile that tugs at her lips; as Claudine´s eyes, still glued to her, try to gauge any reaction.

It is addictive.

If Claudine only knew what she was spurring.

Maya pulls her back in and they resume their number. She wonders if this is what has been eating at her since their presentation of Starlight. They had grown closer? Didn't they? If Maya could not get back to what they were before, if she lost her ground, would she be let loose? Would Claudine let her go? Would Maya let go?

She pressed her partner closer against her by the waist. Surely there was something other than rivalry to them, right? They were friends. Claudine had not only planned her demise to get out from her shadow as she often complained? This was not all an elaborate ruse to get away from her, no, the French girl would never be as twisted. Maybe it all came down to Maya´s incompetence to figure out how to act (oh how ironic) around her. She was the one risking everything, everything over something so insignificant that made her sick.

But what could she do if she felt like she was losing her mind ever since that night? What was even going on to make her rethink and ponder thoughts that had never assaulted her until now? Would she let go? When the moment came to it? But Claudine´s hands were so soft as they glided over to her shoulders, her hair still smelt like shampoo when Maya tried to hide the expression, and her touch was gentle as she lifted Maya's face to look at her with worry replacing any ill sentiment she had grown over the week.

Maya seriously didn´t deserve her after her unbecoming actions.

Claudine's brows were knitted with concern as she ran a thumb across Maya´s cheek, examining whatever had grasped her attention. She leaned against her palm, as she had recently found out that, alongside a coward, she was also very foolish.

It was warm, and Maya realized her eyes must have been glassy, so she blinked away the watery remains of wherever that train of thought had taken her.

Her partner reached to fix some of her disarrayed hair, but Maya gently rejected the advance. There was a quizzical look in her crimson eyes, and she figured that she had every right to, it must have been quite the scene for her to try and reduce every contact they had outside of group activities just to almost break into tears during one of their routines.

She had really been ruining things with her attitude as of late.

- I promise I´ll do better.- was what she let out in order to quell her doubts.

Claudine seemed about to pry further when she was promptly interrupted.

- For you, I´ll do better.- a smile was the best thing she could hand as compromise.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claudine had been more careful with her advances lately, she reached out to Maya always at a reasonable distance, sure, their fingers still brushed when she handed Maya a cup of tea she had just brewed. Or while doing their homework, their knees would bump together more often than not, but it was nowhere near the confidence she usually displayed.

Maya too, took better care of their distances, she had no reason to feel estranged, after all, some time to cooldown would help her get back to how they were before. Because that was what she wanted, to keep growing, to keep rising, to keep Claudine.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It would just take some time, she had heard of it, adaptation, right from the beginning, this must mean what reaching middle ground meant. Even if she felt something cold gripping at her whenever her partner sat at an arms length from her.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was no reason to feel as sour as she did, when they were hanging out together and the sense of close companionship lingered in the air, everyone was happy to go around sharing jokes and stories they came up with along the weekend. It was really a sight to behold, how Claudine would go around and light the whole room herself just by laughing or making a timely comment.

It was also something to see by oneself how all of Maya´s self-control seemed to leave her body whenever she watched someone else unperturbed over Saijo's unbridled attentions.

Apparently she truly was the only one with trouble to deal with it, perhaps she had never been as open minded as she originally thought. To think she had always thought of herself as free from some of the most conservative views in her circle.

Maya took a sip from the plastic cup Nana had given her, at least that tasted sweet.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Cheer up Tendo-han!- Kauroko exclaimed as she sat next to her in history class. -You've been so awfully gloom since…-

Maya gave her a withering look, daring her to finish that sentence.

The blue devil only answered with a giggle, clearly enjoying seeing her so down the gutter. But today was really not her day, at least it surely mustn't have been if she was about to do what she was about to do.

- Say, Hanayagi-san, do you ever have difficulties with reciprocating Isurugi´s affections?-

- Huh?!- Kauroko´s cheeks grew warmer as if she couldn´t believe that Maya of all people had just asked her that.

- I understand you come from different upbringings?- she clarified. - I was wondering if you ever struggled with showing appreciation in the same way she does to you?-

The other girl sighed in relief while Maya toyed with the edge of her script, with all her thinking she hadn't been able to memorize a single line.

Said desperation must have been what brought her to this, but Hanayagi was no doubt the one with a closer family background to her own, they gained some understanding of each other previously due to the same reason. Surely she will be able to provide some insight that Maya very clearly needed.

- Of course that's where this is going.- she eyed Maya up and down, as if she couldn't decide that she had addressed her of all people in this particular issue. - I must ask Tendo-han, is there anything on your mind?-

As an answer Maya simply limited herself to glance over where Futaba and Claudine were having a heated competition over who could eat spicier snacks faster, a clear loser on the way and stomach aches as evident too.

- Hm, I see.- The delighted smirk she wore warned Maya that everyone would have heard of this little conversation as soon as it was over, but she was too much in despair to care.

- I did, at first.-

Maya perked up at this.

- Even you could have figured by now that Futaba isn´t exactly the most gentle person one can find, and being used to all the delicacies of pampering… at first I couldn't quite understand her gruff way of caring.-

Kauroko stopped, as if to think of her next statement, and Maya could have sworn that it was the first time she saw something sincere shine in the other girl's expression.

- Even so, being as direct as she is, she made it known to me through all her nagging. And even if I take care of her in other ways, I make sure to let her know I hold said… affection… for her. It's all in communication.-

Maya mulled it over. It seemed rather easy put that way.

- May I add something else to your question, Tendo-han?-

She nodded, another midget of wisdom never hurt anyone, not even from Hanayagi.

- Before any of these we made sure to talk about what we wanted from each other. It is very important to know where you both stand in regards to this. Makes sense to you?-

Once again the First Seat was taken aback by the clarity of her words. But as she thought of it, she found herself avoiding Kauroko´s gaze instead of answering her question.

She chuckled, and Maya contemplated with certain annoyment that the old Hanayagi was back.

- She seems to be very clear on what she wants Tendo-han.- Kauroko glanced over to Claudine, who was trying to reach for a glass of water for a coughing Futaba, before Maya could refute a thing. -If I were you, I would try to make myself clear too.-

As predicted, within a second Hanayagi was up, and some seconds later Mahiru and Karen were looking her way with not so subtle curiosity.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Sunday, Maya came to the abysmal conclusion, that she, in fact, did not know what she wanted anymore.

Chapter Text

The next morning, her eyebags must have been memorable, she had caught little sleep and the days leading to Monday had been restless at best.

She took a bite of breakfast and had the rest on her way to class, at least it was a theoretical subject, as even if Claudine had kept her open demeanour Maya found herself often dampened over little inconveniences that could make her seem anymore flawed to her rival´s eyes.

It was grisly to feel constantly judged.

Her bag was promptly rested against her desk when she sat down and she quickly took out her pens and notebooks to pretend to have anything to look at if asked why she was here this early.

When she thought back to it, she had fixed most of the issue, hadn't she? She no longer embarrassed herself in front of anyone due to inexplicable hits of emotions that had no place or reason. She had also found her rhythm back, although a little different, but her routine was mostly on its tracks.

Then, it seemed almost inexplicable why she felt grim these days.

Yet again, she wasn't completely oblivious, she had realized how closely tied her feelings were to her dance partner in these last months. She was also very conscious of how things were going down between them, as if there hadn't been any clashes as of late there surely hadn't been any development either.

Not that she was sure what kind of development she wanted either way.

Nana and Junna pushed the door to the side, sending their good mornings her way as they were followed by a cluster of Group B students that took their places as well.

- Slept well Maya-san?- Banana asked as she laid eyes on her.

- Had quite the rest, thank you.- she lied with practiced ease.

The taller girl hummed as she shot a look at her roommate, who was doing a worse job at hiding whatever had her worried.

Another day Maya would have probably at least bothered to give them a questioning glance, but today she barely had energy left on her body to worry about anything.

Well, that was the second lie of the day.

- Say, Tendo-san, is there the slightest possibility that you and Kuro had a… disagreement in the last few days?-

Maya grumbled as soon as she heard the nickname, which only helped by increasing the troubled expressions of her friends.

Just how much had Hanayagi told them? And more importantly, did they really need to discuss this right now?

She took some air and poised herself before looking Junna in the eye, who was still looking at her like she had some illness she had not been informed of. It was a slip up to react just as she had, but Maya was an actress, and a renowned one at that, so a facade was easy to fall on.

- I do not recall any sort of argument between us, aside from the ordinary that is.- she offered.

The bespectacled girl visibly calmed down and was almost glad to have the old Maya sitting in the same room as them, instead of the recent bundle of yearning that had been possessing her the rest of the week.

Daiba, on the other side, appeared even more suspicious over the apparent status of her relationship with Claudine. Which to be completely honest had had her on edge recently as well, so she tried to smile at the taller girl as a way of gently asking her to stop prying and mind her own goddamn-

The teacher sat on the desk and everyone turned her way, class was about to begin.

- Roll call.- the older woman said as she opened one of her binders.

Maya´s eyes involuntarily drifted to her right, the seat was empty, and there was no sight of blonde hair anywhere near them.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class had resumed in an uninteresting, and most likely, unimportant blur. The main things Maya remembered were paying more attention to the empty seats, and jumping in her place a couple of times whenever a late arriving and unremarkable student would excuse themselves and come in. One of them even had the audacity to sit by her side.

The nerve.

Picking up her things she realized she wasn't the only one to note the absence, Kauroko seemed moody, or at least more than usual, and it was only then that it dawned on her that Futaba was also missing.

Maya discarded the thought as soon as it reached her.

She was already headed for the entrance of the classroom when she heard the hushed discussion her Class B classmates were having. Usually, Maya considered baseless gossip beneath her, and hadn't much mind to pay to them, however, her recent changes didn't seem to end in the uncalled for attraction she had been formulating for her partner in the several past months.

Yes, that was right, she had at least arrived at that conclusion.

- You heard it too?-

- I mean, their room is the closest to ours, it was hard not to…-

Maya raised an eyebrow, the only rooms near class B section were those of Futaba and Kauroko and a storage, somehow she doubted they were talking about the latter.

- You think it's the reason they didn't come to class today?-

She almost stopped on her tracks, at least her gait had definitely slowed; Junna by her side seemed to notice, but the class president was so committed to being the first one to greet the teachers at every class that, fortunately for Maya, she didn't spare more than a worried glance her way before continuing. The group of gossips wasn't as acute as her friend and their voices ran uninterrupted.

- Wouldn't be surprised, they were up late, that much I could tell.-

- I would have never thought…- one of them added in a contemplative tone.

- Hey, but what were you doing up that late too, huh?!-

- I- Well, I…-

- That's right! You were definitely trying to snoop on their conversation, weren't you?!-

At the accusation Maya felt a cold bucket of water wash over her shoulders.

What was she doing? Listening to conversation from other students just because she thought it could have something to do with Claudine? Had she really fallen this low? Indignation was pooling at her gut when she ran hand past her face and to her hair. The girls kept on bickering, reaching louder tones as the Top Seat crossed the door; that was right, it certainly felt way better than to stand there dumbfounded.

Next thing was getting to class and she had no doubt that her whole troupe would be already there, catching up even. Nothing to be concerned about. Nothing to worry about.

- All I´m saying is they slept together!- the voice rang high enough to reach everyone in the halls.

The rest of the girls hurriedly hushed her as the students turned their direction. Deep blushes bloomed on their cheeks and they would have been even darker if attention had not been snapped from them as swiftly as it had been commanded.

Always the star, the next thing anyone knew was a loud crash through the corridors as someone lost her balance near the stairs.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bloody stairs.

Maya had never been one to curse, but her bruised ankle seemed to at least deserve that much. And the white light and little color of the room made the rest of the argument for her.

They could have really invested a bit more in making it cozy, as it was, she would hardly feel compelled to visit the place again. Not that she planned to, really.

- I come back as the bearer of good news.- the school nurse said as she handed Maya a painkiller and a glass of water with a bit of a flourish.- This will lower the inflammation and there should be no reason to not attend the rest of the evening classes.-

She tried to level her with a glare, as if Maya of all people was prone to manufacturing injuries to get her way out of practice. With that thought she swallowed the pill and handed the glass back to her caretaker with a muted “thanks”.

Well, if nagging and handing her painkillers; which Maya knew as a matter of fact, was the only thing besides tea they were allowed to manage, was everything it took to become a school nurse then she had to admire the importance the woman was giving herself.

Already on her way of standing, the nurse decided to gift her yet another piece of advice she hadn't cared nor asked for.

- Try to work on your coordination in the future, young lady.-

Maya´s blood boiled as she gritted her teeth and shut the door with a thud that elicited a displeased gasp.

Manners be damned

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya knocked softly on the door before sliding it, discovering a severe looking sensei, whose eyes softened as soon as she realized it was her standing outside. She was let in and handed her teacher the permission slip while she felt the class's eyes on her. Her expression must have been unfriendly for as soon as she whipped around there was no one to dare hold her gaze.

With a grumble she took a seat on the floor by Kagura´s side. At least her classmate was known to be as quiet as she was stoic, that was something Maya could work with. And while she did not want to explain herself to her troupe she had little interest in bonding with students from other classes either.

Mahiru and Karen stepped to the front at their teacher's orders and showed the class some Swing basic steps. Their performance turned out to be appropriate as it was clear they had rehearsed their synchronization beforehand, Maya could recognize the effort in that but also noted that most of the class should probably be past that with their respective duo.

Apparently she wasn´t the only one who thought so, as they were quick to receive a lecture from their teacher who explained this should have been last class´s subject of focus with their waltz lesson.

She winced at the memory.

Mahiru was quick to apologize, but Karen insisted on taking the blame, which seemed to amuse the teacher enough to let them off the hook for now, they were ahead of the program anyway.

Another pair was bound to be selected when the door was thrashed to the side.

In front of them stood a breathless and slighted hunched Claudine, who had no doubt ran all the way to the classroom. Soon afterwards a flash of pink crashed against the taller girl's back. Claudine grunted but stood her ground as Futaba stumbled back, breath shallow as well and more disheveled than usual, of course this could apply to the both of them.

No one said a thing while the teacher chewed them out but allowed them in.

Upon further inspection Maya could note Saijo's leotard was slightly wrinkled, it must have been the same one she wore yesterday for scenic fighting. Which implied that either Claudine hadn't had the time to have the others cleaned or that she had, in fact, spent the night at someone else's room and hadn´t bothered to pick another.

The girl appeared none the wiser to her scrutiny, as she gave Futaba a breathy laugh and a relieved fist bump, the open demonstration of camaraderie must have pleased their instructor as much as it did Maya as they were the next pair to pass to the front and swing.

She must have been fixing her a mighty glare for Claudine´s eyes to widen as much as they did when she risked a glance her way.

She chided herself.

Just ask her.

Her inner thoughts circled as they were asked to partner up and dance along the beginnings of a rumba. Of course, she couldn't waltz up to Futaba and leave her to manage alone, as much as she wanted to, so she looked to her right to find Hikari staring back at her. Good enough.

They fell into an easy rhythm, it was better than most, but Maya still found it subpar to the results both of them could reach in their typical accommodation. Sure enough it would go better as soon as each song passed, and the teacher made sure to praise them, but the height difference was troubling, at least to Maya.

It was also more complicated to guide the other girl around the room in an injured ankle, and Hikari allowed her control far more than Claudine did, the girl even leaned into it; so different from the subtle but ever present resistance her (not) partner would put up, if only to allow herself a little independence from Maya´s support.

Not far from her, Claudine appeared to be having the time of her life, pulling Futaba from one side to the other while the other girl chuckled as she tried to match her much longer strides.

Maya's blood temperature levels should have been recorded that day. It was the second time today that she had physically scowled.
Claudine pulled Futaba closer in a whirl and the other girl gasped in surprise at the proximity before pushing back with another amused expression as they exchanged roles.

Maya grabbed at Hikari's wrists with new resolve. The other girl's eyebrows furrowed slightly as any indication of surprise, but she quickly caught on as the Top Seat spun her around and pressed for a faster, more complex pattern. To her credit, Hikari was able to follow Maya in every step and then some, her judgement had been too hard too soon, that she recognized. But she was still going to push, she would make sure to show that she too could have a wonderful time, pained ankle or not.

She gave another triple and then a rock step, exchanging between their frequency to give a livelier element to the mix. Hikari hesitated before following her pace, and while Maya just needed to look up at the puzzled girl to figure something was not right, it took another voice to take her out of her trance.

- Tendo, your tempo is not aligned to the rhythm.- the teacher looked about as surprised as her at having to be corrected on something as simple. -Maybe that ankle is giving you more of a struggle than I originally thought…-

With a hand on her shoulder Maya was guided back to sitting position, not before giving Hikari an apologetic bow that the other girl was gracious enough to ignore before joining the dance again. Once settled Maya watched with narrowed eyes as the room almost looked alive with movement.

Hikari was doing better now, as far as she could tell, and Claudine was still living her best life, the only person who seemed to be nearly as afflicted was Junna who had been tasked with dragging Kauroko who was far more interested in other dancers. To that, Maya could relate.

Relate to Kauroko, what an unfortunate thought.

Instead, she focused on Futaba, who was also completely immersed in the dance. Maya had seen her looking her way before she was summoned back, but a second later she was back at the push and pull that was dancing with Claudine, like a wave, it had the strength to draw you in.

Her fingers twitched against her towel.

Just ask her.

Kaoruko had said communication was key, and she had fought all week to gather the scraps of courage she had to talk to Claudine. Or at least try to, she hadn't had a thing to say.

Her partner bumped her hips against Futaba with a triumphant smile as the music reached to an end, the girl chuckled as she pushed Claudine to the side before she reached for their bags, she gave the second one to her and they walked towards Maya and the rest of the troupe.

She was positive she was glowering as they made their way.

All thoughts of calm thrown to the side.

- Jeez Maya-chan, that's quite the stare.- Banana was surely trying to dissuade her since this morning, but she was having none of it.

The blue devil hummed. - Knew she would be after Futaba's bones for this...-

Her gaze remained undeterred, oh she had something to say now. She sure was going to communicate and get her point across, but most importantly…

I know now exactly who I´m talking to.

Chapter Text

There was a sharp knock on her door.

Who the hell´s up this hour?

She scrambled from her bed and reached for the door, rubbing at her eyes and hoping it wasn't yet another emergency that one of her friends was having all the time now. She had almost sputtered out the nickname when she had to swallow her words back.

Outside of her door stood no other than the Tendo Maya.

Shit.

She made sure to look around, maybe the First Seat knocked on the wrong room, but the stiff posture the actress was sporting hinted that she was exactly where she had meant to.

- Oi, Tendo-

- I trust I didn´t interrupt your slumber?-

Futaba cleared her throat.

- No worries, it's still eight, anyway-

Silence.

-So… you wanna come in or..?-

She didn´t need to ask twice for Maya to allow herself into the room, she swept the place with a loaded gaze, and if she was searching for something then she clearly didn't find it.

- Is there something…

- I was hoping to speak to you, Isurigi-san.-

Her voice remained cool, but her shoulders were still tense and by the way she held herself it was clear she most definitely wasn't there for social purposes. Not to mention the glacial indifference in her eyes… jeez, just the look of them was giving her chills.

There was something off.

- Wanna sit down first?-

The attempts at friendliness seem to be missing the mark as Tendo watched her unimpressed, like she was only waiting for a “yes” to go on and finish with whatever had brought her here in the first place.

- Well, I'm sitting down.- she let out a nervous chuckle as she reached for a chair. -Wassup?-

Maya looked down at her.

Futaba felt really small under her gaze now.

Man, she was feeling right back at Kyoto all of a sudden.

- As of today it would appear that you and I share a new mutual interest, wouldn't you agree?-

- Not following-

She wasn´t.

Maya´s eyebrow twitched, and she was almost sure it was the most annoyed she had ever seen her. Livid, was the word Claudine has used to describe her anger last time she came to cry about her.

- Saijo-san.-

- Kuro?-

It was pretty obvious she was the reason she would talk to her, but she didn´t think the star would be so direct about it.

She could have sworn she saw her grit her teeth before answering.

- Yes.-

- What about her?-

- Well, now that you two seem to enjoy of a new degree of proximity I thought it pertinent for me to warn you.-

Her seriousness would have been funny if she hadn´t caught the murderous intent behind her tone.

Is she trying to threaten me…?

The thought sprung on her like a sore thumb, but not totally impossible either. It wasn´t like they hadn't all been worried about her state the last weeks. Oh she hoped she wasn´t caught in the crossfire, she would make Kuroko pay for whatever their little game was.

These two really have the weirdest ways of flirting, I swear…

- I am sure you have caught on her… quirks.-

Futaba hummed, she had no idea what Maya was getting at but there was no way she was gonna ask either.

- Good, then you´ll know by now that some of her codes can be easily misinterpreted.-

Kuro had always seemed pretty easy to handle.

- …right.-

- Then I take you have a sound argument against the rumor of her… sleeping with you as of yesterday.-

- But she did?-

Maya deflated, and Futaba realized she had stuck her foot in her mouth. She was about to elaborate when someone opened their restroom door. Both of them snapped to it, and apprehension, resignation and a hundred more emotions flashed on Maya´s eyes before they settled for a deadpan.

- Am I not who you were expecting to encounter Tendo-han?- Kaoruko put a hand on her hip, clearly annoyed at having someone at their room this hour.

Futaba groaned.

- Can we keep civil in here?- she turned back to Maya. - Kuro did stay here yesterday, we talking and then she fell asleep, it was late and we both forgot to put our alarms on.-

She rubbed at her neck sheepishly, hoping it would clear things up.

- And I was very rudely asked to room at her lodgings!- Kaoruko pouted.

- Don't tryna pretend you didn't love her mattress.-

Kaoruko gave her an enraged stare before whipping her head around in indignation. Welp, that was something for her to deal with later.

- Talking?- Maya seemed to be coming back to the living realm. - What would she need to talk about that late at night?-

Oh, don´t know. Probably exact same as you.

This is gettin old.

She sighed and got up from her chair, not before handing Kaoruko her hair brush for her roommate to continue her nightly routine. It felt warm inside to have memorized these little habits.

- That's all? You worried about the rumor?-

- Well yes, if not properly debunked it's quite routine for an actress to have her name compromised over a scandal.-

Oh.

She could not deny the validity of that, whole careers had been ruined for less. But, they were still at school, and Futaba doubted that Kuro was as droned much around proper traditions as Maya was… also, she was French.

“The French swing either way depending on the time of day” she remembered the child prodigy joking back in first year. Thinking back to it, it was probably the same day that she had came out as gay to her, Futaba had fought really hard the urge to say “yeah, we figured”.

Now her effort seemed to pay off as not everyone had picked up on the detail.

It comes from a place of concern, she told herself as she addressed the mess in front of with renewed patience.

- Tendo, you think there could be… ´nother reason you are here?-

- No.- she answered with finality but she remained stuck in place.

You sure know how to pick´em, she cursed at Kuro as she decided to do her a last favor tonight.

- Somethin´s eatin at you, don't think the rumor´s got to do with it.-

The taller girl seemed to contemplate the statement, and for a second Futaba wished to bring back the version of Maya that was annoyed enough to be expressive. She couldn't try to guess how many hours Claudine had spent watching her just to catch on her tells and to be able to figure out whatever she had going on.

- Kuro came to talk bout you.-

Both Maya and Kaoruko snapped to her in a second. Ballsy. Her roommate had a warning written all over her face, but if they both wanted to have a night´s sleep anytime soon then she was willing to take one for the team. And, if things went down smoothly, Kuro would have more things to thank her for than to scream to her about.

- She did?- Maya mused quietly.

Well, that was significantly less excited than she had hoped for.

- Couple of times now.- she tried again.

Aaaand she was all up in her head again, Futaba could tell by the way her eyes focused on anything but her. Slowly, and by the chewing on her cheeks she figured that she surely wasn't thinking of something very agreeable.

How dense can one be?

Kauroko swatted at her arm, and Futaba recoiled with a frown as her roommate neared Maya, an accusing glare still on her. Come on, it was not on her that she could not piece it together yet, it took exceptional levels of denial to get it wrong at this point.

- Tendo-han, are you alright?-

- I, yes, excuse me, I have kept you awake long enough with my troubles, I shall take my leave.-

- No, you shall not, I think.- Kauroko stood between the door and her.

This was going to be a long night.